Kirsten a better India coach than me - Wright

John Wright, the former India coach, has said the incumbent Gary Kirsten is "probably better" in that role than him. Since taking over last year, Kirsten has overseen India's Test victories over Australia and England at home, and several highs in ODIs as well, including the longest winning streak by an Indian side.

"He is very thoughtful and very passionate and I think he understands the importance and the privilege of coaching India," Wright told CNN-IBN. He was India's coach for five years from November 2000 during which India won a historic series against Australia in 2001 at home, won in Pakistan in 2003, and also guided the team to the finals of the 2003 World cup.

Wright, a former New Zealand batsman, also said that adapting to the way things work in India was a key factor in being a successful India coach. "You bring some ideas from outside India but there is also an understanding of how things are best handled and getting to know your players and keeping them contented and happy and confident and being able to correct them when they need to."

Wright, who is currently a New Zealand selector, was also glad the upcoming Test series was a three-match affair and not two, as was originally planned. New Zealand won the Twenty20s and India have sealed the one-dayers, and Wright felt the home side would have to play "right upto their potential" if they are going to put up a fight against India in the Tests.