India won two World Cups: one in 1983 with P.R. Man Singh as administrative manager, and the 2007 ICC Twenty-20 World Cup with Lalchand Rajput as cricket manager. On both occasions, there was no coach in pure, cricketing terms — the manager doubled up both the jobs with great success.
So when Lalchand Rajput believes that this current Indian team has the best chance to regain the T-20 World Cup in West Indies this summer he should know what he's talking about.
Reason? “In recent memory, I have not come across a feature wherein most of the batting and bowling slots have very strong contenders waiting to get into the team. This is the beauty of this Indian team. Even such gifted players like Rohit Sharma have to face stiff competition from the likes of Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja is a very positive sign,” Rajput explains in an exclusive chat during his one-day visit last week.
“We have plenty of options now in terms of selection of Indian team and this feature really keeps the pressure on those in the team to keep performing and consequently improve the team's performances,” analyses Rajput. “In terms of talent and a perfect blend of youth and experience, Dhoni-led team should be world-beaters.”
Does he regret not being given a really long stint as Indian team coach after the successful campaign in the 2007 T-20 World Cup? “Definitely. I am always bewildered when I look back at this subject. I don't think I have done anything bad when I was at the helm. We even won the triangular series for the first time in Australia and had great wins against Pakistan in both Tests and one-dayers,” insists Rajput.
In a way did he enjoy the possibility of very few expectations when he was handed over the job for the World Cup compared to foreign coaches who might be under pressure of great expectations? “I can only say that we Indian coaches are no less knowledgeable and in fact have a better understanding of the psyche of the players and in communicating what we mean to them,” explains the 48-year-old Rajput, who is now the secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association. “Mind you, I was in-charge of the Indian team after the Greg Chappell episode. Now I leave it to the critics to judge my performance,” he adds.
Rajput points out that the mantra for his success in 2007 was pretty straightforward – keep things simple, ensure there is no feeling of disparity between seniors and juniors, and keep the dressing room atmosphere very healthy. “No, there were not too many long video sessions, for I always believe they are only one of the tools and not the only one to produce results. You give the chances to the Indian with the desired Level 3 certificate in coaching and see the results. I don't think we are that bad not to be considered at all.”
What is his suggestion for a repeat performance from Indian West Indies this summer in T-20World Cup? “Fortunately, we have the IPL-3 and once the cream is identified it is mandatory to have a minimum one-week camp before the mega event to get together, analyse and the strengths and weaknesses, and work sincerely on them to be a much better side,” is Rajput's advice.
On Mumbai's dominance in the Ranji Trophy, the MCA secretary reminds everyone that it is the cricketing culture of decades that is rubbing off on the youngsters. “The never-say-die attitude and the fact that Mumbai never gives up in any given situation makes this team a champion outfit,” he says. “The most important thing invariably most of the big guns including Sachin play for the state when they are free. This helps the youngsters a lot and elevates their confidence level to a new high.”
Rajput signs off saying that the passion to the national coach remains the same for him even and that he will not budge if the responsibility is given to him.
