The Hindu : Sport : Coach's post: Panel gives patient hearing

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Friday, May 20, 2005

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Coach's post: Panel gives patient hearing

Special Correspondent

Candidates brimming with confidence

— Photo: Sandeep Saxena

IN OR OUT?: Australian great Greg Chappell arriving for the Board of Control for Cricket in India interview in New Delhi on Thursday.

NEW DELHI: Three former greats of the game — Mohinder Amarnath, Greg Chappell and Desmond Haynes — made their presentations before a select panel of the Board of Control for Cricket in India here on Thursday to push their credentials for the job of India's cricket coach.

Expectedly, all three stressed their confidence in bagging the post with Tom Moody too in the fray. There were no favourites as far as the panel was concerned and each candidate was given a patient hearing. The Board is likely to announce two names on Thursday, leaving the final decision with the Working Committee.

Overall role

Amarnath, the first to be interviewed, made a strong presentation, laying emphasis on the overall role a coach can play. "I made an honest presentation based on my experience. The team doesn't need a coach but someone who can guide the players in difficult situations. It's about man management and motivating the players. I'm quite capable of doing it," said Amarnath, who spent more than two hours with the panel that comprised former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, S. Venkataraghavan and Ravi Shastri and Ranbir Singh Mahendra (BCCI President), S.K. Nair (BCCI Secretary) and Jagmohan Dalmiya (former BCCI President).

Amarnath gave an example to stress his point. "The team is like a car. There will be times when it would develop certain snags and not run smoothly. My job will be that of a mechanic. Rectify the flaws and fine tune to ensure the car runs smoothly. Do you think players like Sachin (Tendulkar) or Rahul (Dravid) will need coaching at this level," said Amarnath, who also made an impression on the panel with his convincing stand on an Indian handling the job. "Language and knowledge of the conditions and culture play a very significant part," he said.

Amarnath, who obtained a coaching degree from England in 1981 when he was still playing, showed a video tape of the coaching manual that he had filmed more than 15 years ago featuring Sachin Tendulkar among others. He also stressed on his plans to concentrate on domestic cricket too and scout for talent whenever free from international assignments. "I don't think I've ever spoken so long at a stretch. It was a wonderful experience and I'm quite happy with the way things went," said Amarnath of his experience this afternoon.

Professional

According to Chappell, his meeting "went off well" and he was happy with the opportunity the BCCI provided him. "They received it very well. It was encouraging and enjoyable. Quite professional," said Chappell.

Elaborating on his presentation, Chappell said: "all I can say is that I've done a good presentation. I could speak on certain areas that I always wanted to. I can't say more at this stage. To be invited for this interview is a great honour." Recalling his earlier meeting when he was in contention for the job along with John Wright, Chappell said, "I thought I had done well then too but this time it's pretty well."

Thrilling experience

For Haynes, it was a thrilling experience. "It was great and I thank the BCCI for this opportunity. It'll be a very big job if I get it and will be a great honour. I've presented my plans and if selected, I'll focus on improving India's one-day performance. It's obvious all teams have to prepare for the 2007 World Cup. I come from the Caribbean and I know the conditions very well. That's my USP and the Indian team will benefit from my experience," said Haynes.

When asked if he was the dark horse, Haynes joked, "dark yes I am but I'm a front runner. I can handle batsmen and bowlers but I'm willing to work with a local (bowling) coach if need be." The West Indian, however, added that he had not got enough time to prepare for this meeting but emphasised that he was capable of dealing with situations if he lands the job.

Moody, the youngest and the last to be interviewed, said, "I enjoyed the experience. I spoke of Indian cricket as a whole. My job would be to blend the youth and experience of this team. Greg has wisdom and Amarnath has done well with various teams but we have to keep up with innovations and here I score over the rest. I can communicate and enforce discipline. I think I qualify for the job."

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