The Hindu : Sport : Team will recover from the slump: King

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Sport

Sport

Team will recover from the slump: King

S. Dinakar

CHENNAI: Gregory Allen King believes the Indian cricket team will recover from the slump when the next season gets underway.

Speaking to The Hindu, the Indian fitness trainer said: "I saw the side from close quarters during the series against Pakistan and I could see the passion and the desire to do well even when it was losing."

Attending the National Cricket Academy's South Zone camp at the MAC Stadium, he said: "the side has come under criticism which I feel should be balanced. You don't become the best team in the world with one win, you also don't become the worst with one defeat."

King said he was personally disappointed with Ganguly's failure with the willow because the Indian captain has been training hard. "He really worked hard whether at the gym or at the ground. It's sad that he could not translate that into runs."

On paceman Pathan, whose form declined against Pakistan, he said, "He came back from a hip-flexor injury and recovered well. He was not at his best, but that was more due to a lack of rhythm and confidence than any fitness problem."

He was pleased that pace bowler Balaji hit the straps quicker than expected after overcoming an osteitis pubis injury. "I think TNCA physio Basu and Ramji of the MRF Pace Foundation deserve credit for Balaji's swift progress."

Challenging role

King admitted that his role was a challenging one in a side where several leading cricketers were in their thirties. "I think it is much about installing the good habits while training, and putting in place a strong routine, even during the off season. The trouble starts when laziness sets in. But the fitness levels have improved, although you can always take it to the next level."

King conceded that the results often influenced how a team appeared on the field. "Sometimes even a tired side will appear a lot fresher if it is winning."

Commenting on Sehwag's tendency to progress to huge three-figure-knocks without tiring, he said: "he's a very good, natural athlete."

Though saddened by Wright's departure, King made it clear that he would have no problems working with the next incumbent.

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