Dav Whatmore on Monday denied that he is the new India coach, saying media reports about his appointment are "mere speculation" and nothing has been finalised yet.

"I am not India's coach; it is mere speculation," Whatmore told reporters in Dhaka.

There were reports in the Indian media earlier this month which said the Australian had been offered a one-year contract by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Whatmore said he only had discussions with the BCCI officials who had come down to Chittagong, but there were no developments after that.

"I have had discussions with BCCI officials where I told them I was interested, but that's all there is to it. I have not heard from them since," he added.

The 53-year-old completed a four-year tenure as Bangladesh coach on Sunday after the completion of India's tour. It was not a happy ending though for the Australian as Bangladesh were outplayed in both the ODI and Test series.

But Whatmore would always be remembered for turning the Bangladeshi team from so-called "minnows" to potential world-beaters.

It was during his time that Bangladesh made it to the Super Eights of the 2007 World Cup and also shocked World champions Australia in a one-dayer.

"I was with Bangladesh for four years and they wanted me to continue. But a coach has a shelf life. One needs a different challenge after a few years. I need to move on," he said.

Whatmore is tipped as favourite to take over as the new coach of India, who are looking for a successor to Greg Chappell, who quit after India's disastrous showing at the 2007 World Cup.

Former captain Ravi Shastri was selected as cricket manager for the Bangladesh tour. Though India did well under Shastri, the former all-rounder declined to take up the assignment on a long-term basis, citing professional commitments.

A seven-man committee, appointed by the BCCI, to select a new coach, after Greg Chappell quit following India's disastrous showing at the 2007 World Cup, will meet in Bangalore on June 4 before the team leaves for the tour of Ireland and England next month.

Whatmore, who also coached Sri Lanka to the 1996 World Cup title, seemed keen to take over India, who have been struggling recently before the triumph in Bangladesh.

"It will be a logical extension to bigger challenges. It will help to accumulate more knowledge of the game I love so much," he said.

The 53-year-old said coaching in subcontinent is quite different from other countries. Though language is a barrier, communication and getting his point across to the players is the most important thing for a coach, he believes.

"One has to understand that the culture here is fundamentally different. The key is effective communication. You have to understand the subtle differences that exist here.

"But what will never change is the fact that players make a coach. They go out there and bat, bowl and take catches. They go to the battlefield. The coach just has to make sure they get all the help," he added.

Though coaching is a high-profile job, especially in Asian countries, Whatmore believes captain is the boss.

"Also, the captain is the boss, but others around him have their own responsibility," he added.