John Wright has earned good reputation in New Zealand and he is well-respected by the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and the public.

By Bipin Dani

The former India coach is one of the top contenders to coach the KKR team in the next edition of the IPL to be played in India this time.

In the event of his appointment, his current employers may not need to lose anything and a compromise formula may be worked out, according to a NZC official.

"John (Wright) has not approached New Zealand Cricket in relation to any role within the IPL. In the event that this does arise, NZC will be happy to discuss further with him whether such an opportunity could be accommodated", Stephen Hill, the Public Affairs Manager, said from Christchurch.

"John Wright is continuing in his role as Elite Coaching Manager with NZC. He is also currently a member of the national selection panel. The structure of the selection panel is currently under review and a decision on the structure and membership of the selection panel is expected next month", he said.

Wright is in charge of NZC's High Performance Centre at Lincoln Univerisy. It is one of the game's most obvious examples of the commitment to lift achievement levels and consistency in the game. Much of the thinking that has marked the innovative cricket New Zealand has played in recent years has emanated from the HPC where intensive research and analysis is carried out to assist in the development of game plans.

Specialist coaches for the national sides, at all levels, are based at the centre. The HPC is also the venue for training camps for all the national squads as well as the coaching fraternity involved in the various levels of activity under the New Zealand coaching scheme. It is a jewel in the crown of New Zealand sporting centres of excellence and its programmes have been instrumental in smoothing the transition from first-class and development cricket for New Zealand's emerging players into international play.