The Hindu : Sport : Robin to work closely with Chappell

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Thursday, Apr 13, 2006

Sport

Sport

Robin to work closely with Chappell

Special Correspondent

Robin Singh... keeping a close watch. — File Photo: N. Sridharan

Chennai: Robin Singh expects the India `A' cricketers to evolve during the six-nation EurAsia one-day series to be held in Abu Dhabi from April 22 to May 5. As the side's coach, the former India all-rounder will be monitoring the cricketers' progress from close quarters.

This will be Robin's first assignment with a National team in an international competition after the under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh two years ago. "It will be a challenge, but I am used to it," he told The Hindu on Wednesday.

Much focus is on youth these days with Team India, chiefly fuelled by the energy and enthusiasm of the youngsters, riding a crest in the shorter version of the game. Robin says he plans to work in close coordination with India coach Greg Chappell. "I will surely be giving him the inputs."

India is grouped with Pakistan and Holland. Sri Lanka, Ireland and UAE form the other pool. The Indian team, captained by Venugopala Rao, includes pacemen R.P. Singh and V.R.V. Singh, leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi, and wicketkeeper batsman Dinesh Kaarthick, all of whom have played for India. Openers Robin Uthappa and Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan and middle-order batsman S. Badrinath also find a place.

"Some of these cricketers have been under me in the under-19 team. They know they will have to deliver to challenge the bigger boys. It will be a good learning experience for them. All the boys realise that they will have to play positive cricket. This is what Greg Chappell expects from his men," says Robin.

Predictably, Robin will lay much emphasis on fitness and fielding, areas where he was a shining example during his playing days. "Fielding makes a huge difference and the fact will not be lost on the boys. And it is so essential to keep fit, particularly if you are a paceman. Once injured, you have to start from scratch and that is not easy."

The India `A' coach is confident that his team would develop from the competition in Abu Dhabi. "I am sure that they will pick up the right things," says Robin.

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