Does the fate of the team lie in the hands of the coach?

The reason why foreign coaches were invited previously was for their strategic management

May 27, 2016 02:57 am | Updated 02:57 am IST

Makarand Waingankar.

Makarand Waingankar.

Cricket is like ‘religion’ in India. The response and debate that Indian cricket evokes is unmatchable to that of any other sport. From the team selection to the appointment of a coach and support staff — it’s always a subject of discussion. It is funny how former cricketers from other countries also recommend the names for a suitable coach as if the fate of the team lies in the hands of the coach!

A few years ago, the BCCI committee followed a similar approach to that of the ECB. They invited a few aspirants and Greg Chappell was appointed. But, the new regime has now decided to advertise for the post.

There is no doubt that a lot of foreign coaches will apply for the role. But it is highly unlikely that top Indian players will do the same as they would not like to be rejected. There is no need for an experienced player like Rahul Dravid — a man with a lot of internationals — to apply for the position. He has proven credentials.

In the 90s, there were half a dozen Indian coaches who were appointed to mentor the team. But this did not bring any change in the approach due to lack of planning. It was then that Dravid was impressed with the methods of John Wright, who was coaching Kent at the time.

And thus, the first foreign coach was appointed. Subsequently, the change in approach was visible.

Later, Greg Chappell brought in his Australian method which hurt the sentiments of seniors, who were unwilling to change. When Chappell continued to push them, the players ganged up and threw him out. Perhaps, had he taken a little longer time to understand the mindset of the players like Gary Kirsten, he would have been successful. Kirsten’s approach was opposite to that of Chappell. He worked on the mindset of each player with Dhoni as the captain. In a nutshell, he executed Dhoni’s plans such that each one had more to offer to the team’s strategy. Although this tactic worked brilliantly in international cricket, the same man was a failure as coach of Delhi Daredevils. This is because not all players in the team are of international standard.

Ravi Shastri, on the other hand, has a totally different approach to the game. He is a brilliant strategist and was unlucky to have captained only one Test. Even those who disliked Shastri during their playing days vouch for his calibre as a coach. Narendra Hirwani who took 16 wickets on his Test debut also credits Shastri’s captaincy.

Success mantra

This is the same success mantra of Shastri. He utilises the player’s capability to the optimum and has an ability to decipher the mindset of an individual quickly. He communicates discreetly with each player and encourages them to showcase their strength.

Amol Muzamdar said: “A day before the Ranji Trophy final against Bengal, he pumped us so much that we were ready to play at that very moment”. Ravi Shastri ignites the confidence level of a player.

Though Kohli is young and would prefer a coach of his choice in the Tests, it isn’t right to change the director of the team at the present. With 18 Tests coming up in the next 10 months, it will be unfair to appoint someone new as the coach because it takes time to understand the team.

Kohli, on record admitted backing the RCB coach Daniel Vettori for the post. But mentoring a T20 franchise team is different from an international team. Vettori was not offered a coaching assignment even in New Zealand and thus lacks experience.

The main reason why foreign coaches were invited previously was for their ability in strategic management. The Indian coaches were clueless about planning strategies according to the players. With the advent of technology, performance and approach of every player can be tracked easily now.

Although Rahul Dravid said he wants more time, his name is being strongly recommended for the role. He got into coaching only last year when he was asked to manage the Under-19 team. Asking him to take over the Indian team is like clearing graduation immediately after completing the final examination in school!

Understudy

A better way would be for Dravid to be an understudy to Shastri as coach. This way, he can take over from Shastri when he is ready.

Though former Australian fast bowler Rodney Hogg described Mike Brearley as the guy who had a “degree in people”, Brearley was disinterested to coach any team because captaining a team and mentoring require different mindsets. A captain goes by his instinct whereas the coach has to have a tactical game plan.

Many legends who handled the international teams have failed miserably. They tried to mould the players into their thinking without realising the quality of the players. Dravid is a legend and his studious character is a plus. All he needs is experience of wearing the jersey of a coach to assume his role from the next season onwards.

With many more Tests in the future, the Wall can be a great asset to make the foundation sustain for long!

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