DELHI, India - CMC - On the heels of the West Indies appointing Australian Bennett King as coach, former West Indies chairman of selectors Sir Vivian Richards has endorsed the use of foreign coaches.

During a visit to Delhi, Sir Vivian said there were benefits that could be derived from using a non-national to coach the national team.

“There is nothing wrong in having a foreign coach,” Sir Viv said. “The game is getting globalised and this way we can learn from each other.”

India are currently searching for a new coach after New Zealander John Wright resigned the job following the recent home series against Pakistan.

However, Sir Viv would not be drawn into if he would offer himself as a candidate for the post, though he holds no formal coaching qualifications.

“What I have is the experience of playing in 124 Tests. I know I have a sound knowledge of the game,” Sir Vivian, who has served as West Indies coach in the past, said.

Sir Viv meanwhile hailed Indian batting prodigy Sachin Tendulkar as a legend, after the player recently moved even with compatriot Sunil Gavaskar with 34 Test centuries.

“If Tendulkar left cricket right now, he would still be a legend. He carried India’s mantle for a long period. He has done his job and done it well,” Sir Vivian pointed out.

“He may be looking to play the way he started his career but that is not always possible.”

He added: “Tendulkar is now a very mature player. He is now more into a fortifying role and not flamboyant, but you must respect that he has grown older.”

Sir Vivian was one of the most devastating batsmen the game has seen, smashing 8 540 runs in 121 Tests with 24 centuries.

Tendulkar, one of the game’s premier batsmen, has scored over 10 000 runs and made over 30 centuries in both Test and One Day Internationals for India.