Too much of keenness cost Whatmore

NEW DELHI, June 5: India is once again in search of 'another' coach. The process is gathering steam. And all the action is likely to happen in a day or two.
So, who will coach Team India? The million dollar question is doing its rounds. Everything was going good for Dav Whatmore until the Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI, on Monday surprisingly ruled him out of contention during the specially-constituted seven-member meeting.
And now, former South African coach Graham Ford is believed to be the new choice for the coveted. He seems to have the support of the Indian skipper Rahul Dravid. Ford has been asked to come to Chennai for discussions on June 9.
Former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga also seems to be in the fray and has the backing of panel-member Sunil Gavaskar, according to a source.
"Ford and the other candidate will be asked to come to Chennai for discussions on June 9," BCCI treasurer N Srinivasan announced at a press conference after a two-hour BCCI meeting on Monday.
Just about a few days back the dice was loaded in Dav Whatmore's favour, who has had an enviable record as a coach, as the India's new cricket coach. And suddenly there is this U-turn by the richest cricket board, who has the habit of surprising everyone with its acts.
BCCI began talks with Whatmore during the first Test between India and Bangladesh, even before his tenure was over with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
BCCI's desperation for Whatmore irked BCB so much that they came out in open saying it would not allow its coach to speak with the Indian cricket board officials during the first Test at Chittagong. Can a cricket board approach anyone who is under contract?
Whatmore, during the 2007 World Cup, had expressed a desire to coach India. He was more than keen to replace Greg Chappell.
The Pakistan Cricket Board was also negotiating with Dav for the top job, left vacant by the death of coach Bob Woolmer. However Whatmore rejected. Sources close to the Australian said that he declined the offer on the pretext that Pakistan is an indisciplined side.
And then on Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board too dismissed speculation that they were still awaiting an association with Dav Whatmore.
Whatmore's tenure with BCB has come to an end. PCB has showed no signs of wanting him. BCCI has categorically said that the Australian is out of contention which means that his bid to earn more too comes to an end.
With all these options closed for Dav, what more is left is a question that he will ask for himself in the coming days and months.