Nationality not important for India coach's job: Dravid

Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) With the Indian cricket team searching for a new coach following the exit of Duncan Fletcher, legendary batsman Rahul Dravid on Thursday said the team management should look for someone who will be fit for the job and not look at the person's nationality.

“When we have to take a decision on selecting a coach, we can’t look at if he is an Indian or a foreigner. We have to look at someone who will be suitable for the job of the Indian cricket team. It is a professional world now. From abroad they come to India and from here people travel abroad,” the former cricketer said here.

The former right-handed batsman, who is now the mentor for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals, backed the current talk on a bilateral series between India and Pakistan.

“It is always interesting from a cricketing perspective to have an India-Pakistan series. It’s terrific to play against Pakistan. Obviously a series between India and Pakistan is more than that of cricket. It involves a lot of issues, security issues," said the 42-year-old.

"Also, think about the political situation between the two countries. We, unfortunately, can’t ignore it. It all depends on the board and the ministries but for fans and us, it’s always good to have India-Pakistan series.”

Dravid was also asked about Kevin Pietersen not being selected for the England squad despite his triple ton for county side Surrey.

In reply, Dravid said: “The time I have interacted with Kevin I have enjoyed every bit of it. I have spent a couple of years with him at Rajasthan Royals. I never had issues with him. It is very disappointing from fans perspective.

"He is an exciting player. The whole thing is a bit strange as he was first given the impression that he would be picked if he would score runs. But now he has been told that he is not going to be picked."