The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : There’s more talent in India: Robin

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There’s more talent in India: Robin

R. Narayanan

— File photo

Robin Singh.

CHENNAI: There is no doubt that India can become one of the best fielding sides in the world, says Robin Singh, India’s fielding coach. Back home after a long tour of Australia, Robin fielded questions on a variety of topics ranging from his allround contribution to the team to the upcoming IPL stint.

Excerpts:

How was the Australian tour from a fielding coach’s angle?

We got better and better as the tour progressed and did exceptionally well in the CB series finals. We did quite well in the key areas of catching, throwing and direct hits.

What was your most memorable moment during the series?

During the tour, we proved that we could match the top sides in the fielding department. The boys have worked really hard to reach this new level.

India’s fielding standards have improved dramatically ever since you took over. How did you bring about this turnaround?

Everyone has started enjoying his fielding now. Once you start enjoying something, it is reflected in the results. When a player understands where he has gone wrong, he starts improving. The next year or so will see greater improvement in the fielding department.

About the fielding drills

We try to keep things as simple as possible. We work only on areas that are relevant to the game. We make the sessions interesting by innovating all the time. Otherwise, the players will get bored.

How do you handle the fast bowlers?

I would say that the fast bowlers are the most improved lot when it comes to fielding. Take for example, Ishant. On a scale of 1-10, I would put him at 7. Someone like Munaf now throws the ball as well as anyone.

Given your experience as an allrounder at the highest level, you will be contributing in other areas as well.

Yes, my contribution does not stop with fielding alone. I provide inputs to the players in batting and bowling as well. In fact, a lot of work is being done in all the areas, much more than what people think.

You are the fielding guru for the Indian team. Where does the guru learn from?

I talk to the other coaches and find out how they handle things. I also play and watch other sports and take the relevant things from them.

About coaching the Hyderabad team in the IPL

It’s going to be a great experience and I am looking forward to working with the international players. It’s a golden opportunity for the Indian coaches as there will be a wide spectrum to learn from. It will definitely widen our horizon.

The talent available in India

I think there’s more talent in India than in Australia. By nature, the Australians are aggressive and intense. Our boys have started to believe that they can win. They also have good work ethics to back them.

Your goal as a fielding coach

To make India one of the best fielding sides in the world. There is no doubt that we can achieve this.

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