Springing to the defence of the beleaguered Indians,outgoing coach John Wright said the side had all the ingredients required tomake an impact in the 2007 World Cup.
India lost the six-match series against Pakistan 2-4following which captain Rahul Dravid called for ways to stem the poor run in theone-dayers.
Wright, for whom the Kotla one-dayer was the last matchas coach, said though the side was in a slump, they had the potential to do wellin the mega event in West Indies.
"It's a chance for the selectors to study thereasons for the slump in form. (But) I am still very confident that the team isplaying quite well," the 50-year-old New Zealander said.
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"I still feel optimistic that India can be turnedinto a strong force in 2007. The ingredients and the players are there.
"The side for sure has much scope for moreimprovement. There is still a long way to go," said Wright who was incharge for close to five years.
India's loss in the series marked a disappointing endto the tenure of Wright, under whose guidance India emerged as a leading forcein world cricket.
"Test (matches) wise they are really upthere," he said referring to India's fine performance in the last fewyears.
Dwelling on his tenure as India coach, Wright said itwas a "privilege" to coach the team.
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Wright declined to reveal his future plans but gave enough indications that hemay come out with a book containing memories of his association with the Indianteam.
"Probably, I will go back and put a lot of thingsin perspective. I spent some good times in India. I hope there are otherchallenges for me in future."
Wright said the end of his tenure did not mean that hewould not be following the game in India anymore.
"My son supports India ahead of New Zealand. Iwill always follow India's performance in future. I was with them for over fouryears. So naturally, it will be interesting to know what they are doing,"he said.
The New Zealander said the Indians had showedimprovement in several areas in the last few years including fitness, fieldingand running between the wickets.
"I am very fortunate, I had the backing of thesupport staff. I also got a lot of support from the players, particularly thesenior ones."
Wright heaped praise on the cricket-crazy Indianspectators saying "The passion in India for the game is very special andvery valuable. Cricket is their life. They understand the game very well."
On whether he would advice the Indian board in findinghis replacement, Wright replied in the negative. "It's not my work. I hopethe best candidate is chosen."
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Asked whether he feels the coach should have a say in the selection of players,Wright said "Yes I agree. But there should be a balance."
Under Wright, India achieved several feats includingstopping the 16-Test winning spree of the Australians with a 2-1 home seriesvictory in 2001, reaching the World Cup finals in South Africa in 2003 andbeating Pakistan in their den last year.
Rahul Dravid, who had backed Wright's candidature fiveyears back when Indian cricket was in turmoil, paid rich tributes to the NewZealander.
"It's sad. Now it's time to recall some goodmemories," said Dravid, who played for Kent when Wright was the coach ofthe English county.
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"His professionalism, planning, organisation,discipline, team ethics helped to create a good culture. It helped the team tolook beyond itself and achieve greater things.
"He made a good and significantcontribution."
Dravid admitted that whoever replaces the NewZealander, may take some time to settle down.
"There will be a period of waiting-in. But some ofthe players are there for a long time.This can help the new coach," thestand-in Indian captain said.
PTI
