Learn Hindi if you want to coach India, says BCCI

Candidates interested in applying to the job of India coach better be proficient in Hindi.

In its invitation to prospective applicants, the BCCI has mentioned that knowledge of the local language is a 'desired quality'.

“Communication skills befitting the coach of an international team are mandatory, with the ability to effectively convey the right messages and must demonstrate proficiency in English. It is desirable to communicate in Hindi and other regional Indian languages,” according the official advertisement.

If strictly adhered to, this could straightaway rule out a foreign coach for India, who have been served memorably by some imports.

Former Kiwi opener John Wright coached India successfully in the 1990s and the South African Gary Kirsten had a brilliant stint that culminated in the team being crowned World Champions in 2011.

However, India did have a bitter experience with Australian Greg Chapppell, whose divisive reign led to factions arising in the dressing room, and plummeting performance.