John Wright doesn't favour different captains for different formats

Kolkata - Former India cricket coach and former New Zealand player John Wright on Tuesday said he was not in favour of having different Indian captains for different formats – an idea which was mooted by ex-captain Sourav Ganguly.

“Specialisation is a good thing but if the current captain is good enough to play all the formats, then I do not think there is a need for a having different captains,” Wright said on the sidelines of a programme here.

“Though such an idea has been implemented successfully before, including in India, I believe having a single captain makes things simpler,” said the former Kiwi opening batsman.

Following India’s poor performance in overseas Tests in England and Australia, Ganguly suggested selectors should appoint different captains for different formats.

“Time has come for the selectors to decide three captains for three formats. At the moment there is too much cricket, too many formats,” Ganguly had said.

Wright also did not agree with the International Cricket Council (ICC) giving its seal of approval to day/night Test matches.

“I am a traditionalist, a bit too old fashioned. I like Test matches being played during the day. I think they have done this to attract wider viewership but I do not like the idea. Maybe I am behind times,” said Wright.

The ICC Monday approved day/night Test matches while leaving the member boards to decide on the type and colour of the ball to be used, as it announced new playing conditions for Tests, ODIs and T20 Internationals ahead of the Sri Lanka-New Zealand series beginning Tuesday.

Wright, who was in the city to announce the John Wright Scholarships at Southern Institute of Technology, New Zealand, of which he is the brand ambassador, said he will try meeting Ganguly.

“It is great to be back in the city. I have had a fantastic time with Sourav and hope to catch up with him tonight,” he said.

Talking about retirement of Sachin Tendulkar, the Kiwi said the cricketing legend was the best man to judge. “Like all greats, he knows when is the time to bow out,” added Wright.