How hyped is the role of coach and captain?

[OriginalCopy]

Role of captain and coach ========================= 1) How important do you think a coach is for a team? 2) Is it more about the captain than the team itself? Here are some catalysts for the discussion: COACH: In the end it all boils down to implementation on the field, which is almost a direct result of the hard work put in the nets ('practice makes perfect' still holds water). Do you need a Kapil Dev to tell you how to bowl inswingers or outswingers? Or do you need a Gary Kirsten to tell you fishing outside the off stump may be fatal? A coach is at best a facilitator and observer who tells you what you are doing right or wrong, that the wicket keeper should be able to tell you too if you're a bowler and the non-striker should be able to tell you if you're a batsman. It is about these 5 things that translate into results on the field in the long term: a) Natural talent of the player Hard work put in the nets c) Physical and mental fitness and regular conditioning d) Research on the players that you're playing against next e) Desire and desperation to succeed Do you need a coach to tell you this? Or is it that since the establishment has enough money and it is fashionable to have one, you avail the services of a coach? Would a great coach do wonders coaching Canada or Namibia? Or between 2 teams of similar strengths, one with the coach will win more than the one without? Does a coach have the same role as that of a tutor? Under the same tutor, a bright student is more likely to trump entrance exams than the not so bright one. CAPTAIN: It all boils down to the results produced on the field, which is more often than not a result of individual performances than strategic decisions. Is a captain given more credit for the team's successes and persecuted for the team's failures? Isn't a captain's record a direct indication of the team's fortunes? Would Clive Lloyd have the same results with Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Enamul Haque Jr., and Mohammad Rafique instead of Marshall, Holding, Garner, and Roberts? Or would Steve Waugh be a great captain without Warne and McGrath? History indicates strongly that all captains that have been christened as great have had exceptional players playing in their respective teams. Why do great captains lead exceptional teams almost always? Or is it the success of the team that gives the perception that the captain is great? A captain takes a decision to have a non regular bowler bowl to an accomplished batsman. Now say, there are two things possible: a) The batsman blows away the bowler into smithereens. OR the bowler gets the batsman to scoop a catch to long on. When the former happens, the captain becomes an astute and intelligent man who changed the course of the game with one inspired move. When the latter happens, he's the worst man to do the job. Even Boycott's great grandmother would know not to give the ball to a non regular bowler when even the regular bowlers were not being spared! So is it the captain or the player that is the reason for success or failure? What's the verdict? a) Why hype the roles? Both roles have moderate importance. OR Team will play like school boys without the coach and captain will win the world cup with Abdur Razzak, and Enamul Haque Jr. ========= Your turn ....

[bunny]

International coach should actually be responsible for coming up with strategies, playing XI, how to target the opposition batsmen/bowlers (finding chunks in their armors), making sure he keeps giving innovative ideas to the captain and make sure that the captain is performing well and isnt getting biased in his decisions, etc., He should also be responsible for boosting the confidence (as well as techniques if possible). He should make sure that players are motivated and not slacking. I am not sure if he can improve techniques (for that we have bowling/batting/fielding coach but again not sure how fast can people improve although the way Siddhu improved his fielding, and Gambhir his batting, it's definitely possible). Personally, I believe engineers/cricket buffs would make for better international coaches than past-cricketers. Also, statistics (when mined properly) should play a major part in coaching. A captain's role should come down a lot. You cannot expect a player to maintain his performance, lead the players on field, face the media and then also strategize and motivate players. It's too taxing mentally.