Mohammad Azharuddin was a key figure in the Indian squad during the 1990s. The elegant batsman from Hyderabad was a top cricketer during his playing days. Azharuddin is also the only India captain to lead his side in 3 different world cups. He was the skipper of the Indian team in the 1992, 1996 and 1999 world cup.

Azharuddin recently in an interview expressed his desire to work with the Indian cricket team as a coach. The former India captain stated that he is open to any opportunity and would jump at it without batting an eyelid. Azharuddin also commented on the huge support staff the teams have these days in international cricket. 

Want to coach India – Mohammad Azharuddin

Azharuddin told Gulf News, “Yes, I am ready to give it a shot. If I get an opportunity to work with the Indian team, I would jump at it without batting an eyelid”.

“I am amazed to see so many people accompanying the team these days. For example, my specialization is in batting and fielding, and hence if I coach any team, I don’t really need a batting coach. Isn’t it?” he said.

Azharuddin who is currently the president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association wants IPL to take place this year. He added that it is a platform for current and upcoming cricketers to showcase their talent in front of the world that has given a lot to the sport. He hopes that the IPL will somehow get a window so that Hyderabad can host 7 matches.

“I hope the league can eventually get a window where we get to host a minimum of seven matches. The league, whether one likes it or not, has given a lot to the sport in the last 10-12 years”.

“It’s a stage where cricketers get a lot of attention if they perform and get recognized quickly. Just think about it, a Hardik Pandya or a Jasprit Bumrah may still have been struggling in first-class cricket if the IPL was not there. I think it has been a win-win situation for the BCCI vis-à-vis the cricketers and don’t agree with a section of critics who often call it a money-grab”, Azharuddin said.

Apart from being the president of his state cricket association, Mohammad Azharuddin has also been seen as a cricket pundit on news channels. The 57-year-old also has a career in politics and was the member of parliament in the Lok Sabha from Moradabad. He captained India in a total of 174 matches which is the second most by any captain.