The Hindu : Patil strikes a cautious note

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Mar 06, 2003

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Sport - World Cup

Patil strikes a cautious note

By Our Special Correspondent

READY FOR BIGGER CHALLENGES: Kenyan Coach Sandeep Patil flanked by Captain Steve Tikolo (left) and vice-captain Asif Karim on arrival at the Cape Town airport ahead of their Super Six game against India on Friday. — Photo: V.V. Krishnan

CAPE TOWN MARCH 5. Sandeep Patil is very realistic about the match, and Kenya's chances in the Super Six stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Even as he prepares himself for the glorious phase of Kenyan cricket, the former India coach expresses his desire to find some work associated with cricket back home.

Speaking at the Cape Town airport on arrival from Kimberley, Patil said, "it's not going to be easy. There's no point in day-dreaming. Let's be realistic. I know it will be very difficult to contain India and there's no point in making a statement which would be tough for me to digest tomorrow.''

Obviously, Patil remembered Shoaib Akhtar's announcement a day before

the match at Centurion on how he would target Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

``The little genius is in great form and I don't want to venture into making a statement because I know the potential of the Indian team. We have reached this stage after playing 15 one-day Internationals. I'm not going to say we'll win the Cup. We have a long way to go and in the next three matches I'll be happy if the team improves its batting.''

India coach John Wright too shared Patil's views on Tendulkar. "Sachin is getting better and better. Even he must have been pleased with his performance against Pakistan. I hope he continues in the same vein.''

Patil was cautious when speaking about Kenya's calibre. ``I'm not thinking about how further we'll go. Such things don't happen only because you want them to. All matches are important for us.''

Wright too had a similar opinion. "No different match than others. We respect the Kenyans. We've lost to the Kenyans in the past (twice) but we've a good record. There's no let up in the preparations. We've come out of a tough group but we can't get carried away. The emphasis is on preparation and performing well. We've to take one game at a time.''

It was not that Wright had no worries. Showing concern at the middle order not being consistent, Wright said, ``it's a bit of concern. Can't get carried away. The emphasis is on preparation and performing well. We also need to rotate the strike more and will try to improve.''

As Patil steps into the team bus he makes an appeal. ``I'm looking for a job in India. My assignment with Kenya is over after the World Cup and I'll be happy to be of any help to the Indian Board.''

Patil has been with the Kenyan team for four years now. "It's been a long time and I've to go back to my family too. I had informed the Kenyans two months ago that I'll go home. I've spoken to Mr. (Jagmohan) Dalmiya if he can give me a job. Let's see. But one thing is certain, I'll return home.''

Even if Kenya wins the Cup?

"Yes, even if Kenya wins the Cup,'' was Patil's parting shot with a smile.

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