Former Australia captain Michael Hussey said he was surprised by reports that just-retired Test captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni had suggested his name for the coach’s job of Indian cricket team once Duncan Fletcher’s contract expired at the end of World Cup 2015.

“I’m not sure if I’m really ready for that sort of challenge,” said Hussey after he led Sydney Thunder to a win over the defending Big Bash League champions, Perth at the WACA last night.

“Thanks, M S, if it’s true ... but, I’m still playing!” he was quoted as saying in Sydney Morning Herald.

A report in the Indian media had quoted sources allegedly close to Dhoni, saying he was understood to be concerned about the direction the dressing room’s culture was headed.

And since Fletcher’s contract is till World Cup, Dhoni has already recommended Hussey’s name to the BCCI.

Hussey was Dhoni’s teammate at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League and the report claimed that the India ODI skipper had described the Aussie as “a brilliant thinker and man manager who could bring Gray Kirsten-like calmness and camaraderie on board”.