Robin Singh has thrown his hat into the ring. The former India allrounder has applied for the National coach’s job.
A feisty, hard-working cricketer who laid emphasis on fitness, Robin has had a rewarding time coaching various teams over the last 15 years, with as many as 10 championship titles to his credit.
Importantly, he was the fielding coach for India between 2007 and ‘09. In this period, India won a Test series in England, triumphed the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa and lifted the triangular ODI series trophy in Australia for the first time.
Lot of experience
He has been at the helm of the India under-19 and ‘A’ teams and been an assistant coach with the successful Mumbai Indians, apart from guiding Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League.
In a chat with The Hindu soon after mailing his application here on Friday, Robin said, “Under the current coach, India has lost in the semifinals of two successive ODI World Cups, and in the last four stage of the World Twenty20 championship as well. Now is the time to prepare for the 2023 World Cup and a change could be good for the side.”
The 55-year-old Robin — he appears a lot younger — said he brought with him a global experience and perspective in coaching.
Interesting take
Robin had an interesting take on a coach’s role during a match. He explained, “You got to transport yourself mentally into the game, put yourself in situations that the team and the players face, be a part of the moves, get into the players’ mind. You can do this, only if you understand the game technically.”
Asked how he would have handled the chase against New Zealand in the World Cup semifinal, Robin said, “With the ball moving around and India losing Rohit Sharma early, I would have held back Virat Kohli to the No. 4 slot. For that game, I would have picked another top-order batsman, Mayank Agarwal, at No. 3. M.S. Dhoni would have been No. 5 and he would have got more time.”
He elaborated, “Kohli and Dhoni could have batted together. Then, we could have had the three power hitters, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja coming in.”
Robin said India should have groomed a No. 4 batsman for the World Cup and added, “Both Ambati Rayudu and Ajinkya Rahane would have been there in my team.”
India, Robin said, should have played the fast, attacking and wicket-taking Mohammed Shami for the second spinner in the last four clash, given the conditions at Old Trafford.
Coaching, Robin said, was a lot about learning. Although a paceman, he learnt much about spin bowling from the great Erapallii Prasanna and the other famous visiting coaches at the MAC Spin Foundation which he headed.
“It’s an evolving game. You got to be flexible and be bold,” he said.
Will the India door open again for Robin?
