On whether he’s relieved that the coach has finally been selected

Not relieved... The process was about picking the right man and the committee made its decision unanimously... It may have taken a bit of time, but we had to do the job well. Good luck to Graham.

On being the one to call Ford and ascertaining his availability

I did make that call, yes... Being on the committee, I had to look around as to who was available... Look at the track record of the ones available... I was looking for somebody connected with the sport, somebody hands-on... Somebody successful... Frankly, there weren’t many around... In ODIs, for example, Graham has the best record after John Buchanan.

On whether he made that call at captain Rahul Dravid’s behest

I didn’t call Graham on Rahul’s behalf... I did so as a member of the committee empowered to select the coach... I made the call on my own behalf... Rahul is old enough to pick up the phone and do the talking himself. I’m just as capable.

On the qualities he was looking for

A good track record... Good man management... The ability to carry the dressing room with him... Whatever the level, one would look for these qualities in any coach.

On Ford’s presentation before the committee late on Saturday

He was good... (After a pause) So was John Emburey...

On what clinched it for Ford

The committee felt he’s more hands-on... Has a good track record and has worked with some of the big players of the time...

On the questions lobbed at Ford

That’s something which happened in the ‘dressing room’ and should remain there. Let’s just say Graham passed the test.

On whether it was awkward having to ‘drop’ Emburey, somebody he’d played against

It’s part of the game... Look, both knew only one would become the Team India coach. They aren’t kids and, clearly, one can’t have two coaches.

On the home work he did on Ford

I spoke to some people in South Africa... I wouldn’t like to publicise their names...

On whether Team India needed a low profile coach

Look, the profile is important... What’s more important is the coach’s track record... His man management skills... Ford comes with the experience of around 15 years of coaching... That’s not easily sold or bought in the market.

On the Greg Chappell era

Please, I don’t wish to comment on what’s past.

On one-time frontrunner Dav Whatmore not even being called for the presentation

I’ll only say we’ve picked the most appropriate coach. That’s it.

On Ford’s biggest challenge

Being new, he has to first know the players... That would be the top challenge for any new coach... After that, he has to identify the areas he needs to work on and forge a harmonious partnership with the other support staff.

On the time Ford may require to settle down

Give him five-six months... I’m not going to expect immediate results.

On whether a longer contract would have been better

But there’s the option of a two-year extension after the first year... It’s fair on Graham, too... Even he can assess things after 12 months. The duration isn’t an issue and don’t forget one year is a long time.

On whether, having been the interim coach, he intends briefing Ford

He’s experienced enough and I don’t need to give tips... If he does wish to talk, then I’ll answer his queries.

On whether, at any time, he was tempted to continue beyond Bangladesh

Never. I was clear about it. So was the BCCI.

On the BCCI deciding to extend the contracts of specialist coaches Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh

It’s an excellent move... They’ll be working with Graham for a year, at least.

On speculation that we could also have a batting coach

I don’t wish to comment on speculation. One can, of course, always get somebody who is familiar with conditions in a particular country.

On whispers that differences cropped up between him and fellow-committee member Sunil Gavaskar

People can talk and write what they want, but Sunny and I have known each other for years. That’s the bottomline.

Finally, on his plans for the immediate future

(Laughs) To know that, friend, watch ESPN more regularly!