The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Simpson sees no slump in Tendulkar's form

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 05, 2004

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Sport - Cricket

Simpson sees no slump in Tendulkar's form

MUMBAI, MAY 4. Former Aussie skipper and coach Bobby Simpson believes there is nothing wrong with Sachin Tendulkar's form but he does need to ``recharge his batteries.''

``I don't think there is anything wrong with Sachin's form. It is only that he needs to recharge his batteries. I would love to talk to him if he needs tips any time,'' said Simpson, who is here to coach under-14 cricketers at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) Academy.

Simpson was responding to a question whether Tendulkar's batting had slowed down in recent times.

Simpson also said skipper Sourav Ganguly and coach John Wright had been instrumental in India's success and the two have complemented each other with some fantastic wins abroad.

``John (Wright) is doing a superb job, while Ganguly has led the team in Australia and Pakistan from the front and this has helped India emerge as a very dangerous team,'' he said.

``Coming back to John (Wright) I think he has played a significant role in moulding the Indian team and if I were to be connected with the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) I would definitely give him an extension,'' he said.

``Personally I think John (Wright) has got a few more years as a coach and all the hard work he has done with the Indian team has paid off at last. It is always better to have a coach who can deliver the goods than a coach with a big name tag,'' Simpson said.

Talking about `Team India', Simpson said, ``I think the Indian fielding, which was quite good during the Pakistan tour, could improve further to get the best out of the present bowling attack as the old saying ``catches win matches'' still holds good in both forms of cricket.''

On the controversy over suspect bowling actions, Simpson said, ``I don't want to take names here but I can only say that some people have got away with suspect actions though the International Cricket Council (ICC) can improve the system for the future.''

Talking of his young wards, Simpson said, ``I find coaching these kids a real pleasure as well as a challenge as you have to get their attention all the time. It is very satisfying to see a smile on the youngsters' face when they really understand what is expected of them and that gives me immense satisfaction,'' he added. — PTI

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