Sandeep Patil believes he is out of contention in race for India's next coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Selection Committee Chairman and former Indian cricket team member Sandeep Patil has revealed that he is yet to receive any communication from the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) that has been entrusted by the BCCI for selecting the next coach of the Indian cricket team.

With Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian skipper whose one of the three members of the CAC along with Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, confirming to the media on Tuesday that the interview for potential candidates was going to be closed by the end of the day, Patil believes that he is not in the race for what is one of the most sought after jobs in world cricket.

Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble was the most high-profile name to be included in the list of candidates, which also includes former cricketers Pravin Amre and Lalchand Rajput, called up by the CAC on Tuesday to make a presentation and attend interviews. Patil, who was one of the earliest to state his desire for the job which became vacant after Ravi Shastri’s contract as Team India manager came to an end following the conclusion of the 2016 World T20, replied in the negative when asked whether he had received any such approach.

"No, I haven't received any invitation," he said, before adding that no communication has been received from either the BCCI or the CAC in this regard.

"No news on that front as yet," Patil said.

The 59-year-old, who has coached India in the past, albeit for a short six-month period in 1996 before his contract was terminated following a Test series loss in England – a series most remembered as the debut Test series for future legends Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid – is not holding any grudge despite his apparent snubbing and wished the incoming coach the very best on his assignment.

"BCCI has a fabulous advisory Board and I am sure they will make the right choice. I will wish, whoever takes the charge – All The Best," he said.

Patil, who successfully coached African minnows Kenya to a memorable run to the 2003 ICC World Cup semifinals, also thanked the BCCI for providing him the opportunity to associate himself with Indian cricket in various capacities – first as the coach, then as director of the NCA, coach of the Indian A side and finally the chief selector’s post.

"No regrets and no complaints. I have been given more than I deserve by the BCCI. I have total confidence in BCCI advisory Board and know for sure that they will make the right choice," Patil said.