The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Webster to work with Team India

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Saturday, May 27, 2006

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Sport - Cricket

Webster to work with Team India

Special Correspondent

Port of Spain: Team India has engaged the services of sports psychologist Dr. Rudi Webster, famous for his work with Sir Vivian Richards in the 1970s. The 66-year-old was present at the Indian practice session on Thursday, ahead of the fourth ODI, and will be with the team for seven days.

"It's not something that has happened overnight; we have talked about this with the board for three months," said Indian coach Greg Chappell, who has also worked with Dr. Webster. "Since he was in the region (he stays in Grenada), we decided to use his services. Dr. Webster will work with us for seven days."

This is Dr. Webster's first time with the Indian side. He is not new to cricketing teams from the subcontinent, having worked with Sri Lanka in 1984-85. India has previously used the services of Dr. Sandy Gordon and Dr. Charles Krebbs.

The manager of the West Indies team during World Series cricket, Dr. Webster, said the great Richards, at one time, didn't have confidence in his ability. He said some of the youngsters in the current Indian squad face similar confidence crises though he refused to divulge the nature of his work with Team India.

Born in Barbados, Dr. Webster was formerly director of Shell Cricket Academy and also served as a consultant for the West Indies Cricket Board. He was the one who recommended current West Indian coach Bennett King for the job.

Other great sportspersons Dr. Webster has worked with include Brian Lara and golfer Greg Norman.

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