Whatmore declares India interest

Whatmore's Bangladesh beat India in the current World Cup

Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore has confirmed his interest in succeeding Greg Chappell as India coach.

Chappell resigned on Wednesday, two weeks after the team's first-round exit in the World Cup.

"If the opportunity comes along, surely any person who is a professional coach and prides himself in doing a good job would be interested," Whatmore said.

Whatmore coached Sri Lanka to World Cup success in 1996 and has guided Bangladesh to the Super 8s.

There is huge passion for the game in India. It is a big religion there and there is enormous pressure on the team Dav Whatmore

Ironically, Bangladesh's five-wicket win over India in the group stage of this World Cup could have had an impact on Chappell's future.

The 53-year-old said he was willing to take up the challenge of coaching India.

"Firstly any job is a challenge. I have taken up pretty good challenges in the last 10 years and this will be another big challenge," Whatmore said.

"There is huge passion for the game in India. It is a big religion there and there is enormous pressure on the team.

"To get the best out of players is a challenge and to work with the selectors who have the best interest of the game in their heart represent challenge, which is very interesting.

"Perhaps there are more distractions there. The sheer weight of interest of the media be it electronic or print the huge popularity with the individuals, they all are distraction to a point."

The Indian board meets over two days, starting on Friday, to delve into the World Cup debacle and discuss the subject of the next coach.