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Why Not Krish Srikkanth for Coach ?


Guest HariSampath

Why Not Krish Srikkanth for Coach ?  

  1. 1.

    • Yes
      14
    • No
      7
    • Foreign coach better
      4


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Guest HariSampath

Why cannot BCCI consider giving Krish Srikkanth the job of the Indian coach ? On a day when we here in ICF have had the fine opportunity of not only giving us an interview on ICF but also become an ICF member, shouldn't we as ICFers take a very objective view and analyse what credentials he has for the job ? I see the following reasons which may be very good for appointing him as coach. He is young, at 46 he has played the game from 1979 when he made his first class debut, and even scored a 90 against Imran Khan playing for South Zone, played against the likes of Prasanna and Chandra of that era. He started test cricket during the Gavaskar-Vishwanath era in 1981, and played for India 11 years till 1992. This means he had seen the evolution of cricket into the modern era, ODI etc. Srikkanth had players like Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Azharuddin, Vengsarkar playing under his captaincy , so the issue of tackling stars in a team is nothing for him. Sachin Tendulkar made his debut under Srikkanth's captaincy. Srikkanth has actually played international cricket in the same team as Sachin , Kumble, Ganguly among the present team. This by itself is a great qualification as these senior players can confidently speak to him about anything and he too can just tell them what he wants with no fear of anything, as they had been team mates/led by Srikkanth etc. How many former cricketers can have this point ? So many of the other team members now like Harbhajan, Sehwag, Laxman, and others had all played in India A or U-19 , coached by Srikkanth Srikkanth had played 3 world cups, been in winning teams of '83 as well as WCC'85 etc... players will situp and listen to him seriously when he says anything. Srikkanth himself was one of the foremost attacking openers of his time, and also an outstanding fielder. This would give him the moral authority to ask players to be aggressive on the field and in attitude too. Even the current fielding coach Robin Singh had played under Srikkanth, as has Venkatesh Prasad in some level or other. Srikkanth , having played alongside Dilip Vensarkar, Venkatapathy Raju can also have an excellent rapport as far as selection issues go. Finally, with his experience of down under, having toured Aus few times and been successful, he knows all the cricket and non cricket aspects in Aus, so important for a pressure tour. Any comments ?

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Srikkanth has a very good cricketing brain, no doubts about that. He led Indian team in Pakistan against a pretty formidable Pakistani team and hostile environment. There were crowd disturbance during the tour as also the fact that Indian team had many past captains - Kapil, Vengsarkar etc - and hence their must have been ego clash. Also if I am not mistaken there was some sort of player rebellion going around at this time mainly due to amount of money that was paid to Indian cricketers. Indeed this was the reason perhaps why Srikkanth was skittled out even though he managed to draw the series. In other words he is pretty good at man management, atleast in his hey days he was. What I would like to see is to him become Manager of India A team or something like that. I wouldnt want him to coach/manage Indian team right away. As mentioned he is only 47 so he clearly has age on his side. Plus the man has been active in cricket, coaching, helping U19 and has been accessible to media(and hence selectors). I say let him do this for a few more years, if possible be more active for Tamil Nadu and then eventually lead India. For now it sees a little premature to me. xxx

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Guest HariSampath

From Indian Express in 1999 [h2]Srikkanth likely to take over from Gaekwad [/h2] S Santhanam New Delhi, Sept 12: With Anshuman Gaekwad on the way out as India coach, the results of the series in Toronto and Nairobi notwithstanding, it looks certain that the National team will have a new coach when India take on New Zealand at home in early October. The job is likely to be entrusted to K Srikkanth, a former skipper and coach of India `A' and under-19 teams. The dashing opener is keen to take over the job whenever it comes to him. The enthusiasm and exuberance he has showed during his stint as junior coach has amply revealed his eagerness to try out innovative methods at camps and on tours. Gaining from his guidance, many talented youngsters have gone on to represent the country at the highest level Ajit Agarkar, Harbhajan Singh, Debasis Mohanty, Sadagoppan Ramesh, MSK Prasad, Amit Bhandari and Virender Sehwag came into limelight during the India `A' and under-19 tours. The players themselves have admitted the important role played by Srikkanth in providing motivation and confidence to theplayers. Srikkanth was also involved in two crucial tours to Pakistan (first as skipper in 1989-90 and then as coach of India `A' team last year). And on both occasions, the teams emerged from the visits without any scars. In fact, the India `A' squad won a series in Pakistan. He has always cherished challenges as a player, skipper or coach. Innovations, bold approach and willingness to take risks have been the hallmarks of Srikkanth's career as a cricketer. Srikkanth is a strong believer in ``open discussions among players so that new ideas are brought out.'' ``There has to be transparency in the team. Every member should come out frankly and openly with his views during team meetings. I don't believe that only the skipper or a couple of senior members of the squad have the right to speak at meetings. Even the junior-most player may have some brilliant idea in the team's interest,'' Srikkanth feels. About the present National team, the former India opener feels: ``It may be passing through a bad phasenow. The Sri Lankans went through it after the 1996 World Cup, the Australians and the West Indies have experienced it in the past. It is just a matter of time and getting the right combination. This Indian team will surely come back to its winning ways soon,'' the National coach-in-waiting says with confidence. Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.

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Guest HariSampath
Srikkanth has a very good cricketing brain, no doubts about that. He led Indian team in Pakistan against a pretty formidable Pakistani team and hostile environment. There were crowd disturbance during the tour as also the fact that Indian team had many past captains - Kapil, Vengsarkar etc - and hence their must have been ego clash. Also if I am not mistaken there was some sort of player rebellion going around at this time mainly due to amount of money that was paid to Indian cricketers. Indeed this was the reason perhaps why Srikkanth was skittled out even though he managed to draw the series. In other words he is pretty good at man management, atleast in his hey days he was. What I would like to see is to him become Manager of India A team or something like that. I wouldnt want him to coach/manage Indian team right away. As mentioned he is only 47 so he clearly has age on his side. Plus the man has been active in cricket, coaching, helping U19 and has been accessible to media(and hence selectors). I say let him do this for a few more years, if possible be more active for Tamil Nadu and then eventually lead India. For now it sees a little premature to me. xxx
He had already been India A team coach as well as India U-19 coach several times
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He had already been India A team coach as well as India U-19 coach several times
True but I wonder if he has done that job for say 5-6 years at a stretch. Cricket coach's job is similar to cricket players job where you have to grind it out first to reap benefits later. Atleast thats the way I see it. I think Srikkanth has suffered due to the fact that past Indian greats, like Kapil, did not make great coach. Another reason that worries me is if India is ready for Indian coach. The way our country works, sadly if I may add, is that certain controversies(like player selection) comes to fore that much more if the coach is an Indian. Coaches like Wright/Chappell faced a bunch of criticism(specially latter) but one criticism they did not face was that of bias. With an Indian coach that danger is always there. xxx
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Guest HariSampath
True but I wonder if he has done that job for say 5-6 years at a stretch. Cricket coach's job is similar to cricket players job where you have to grind it out first to reap benefits later. Atleast thats the way I see it. I think Srikkanth has suffered due to the fact that past Indian greats, like Kapil, did not make great coach. Another reason that worries me is if India is ready for Indian coach. The way our country works, sadly if I may add, is that certain controversies(like player selection) comes to fore that much more if the coach is an Indian. Coaches like Wright/Chappell faced a bunch of criticism(specially latter) but one criticism they did not face was that of bias. With an Indian coach that danger is always there. xxx
No one is given more than 2 year stints as India U-19 and India A coach. Srikkanth completed both stints . All others like Gaekwad, Sandip patil etc were elevated after these 2 stints only, so far Srikkanth is the only former captain who was NOT elevated after he completed 2 stints as India U-19 and India A coach
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Guest HariSampath

In fact, most cricketing officialdom as well as press and public thought Srikkanth was the automatic choice after Gaekwad, but Kapil Dev was given the job ahead of Srikkanth. It was a hotly debated issue in the press even then. So its not as if Srikkanth has not been in the picture, he was the front runner too. See this article from cricinfo.. Kapil Dev is named coach ahead of Srikkanth Anand Vasu September 22, 1999 Krish Srikkanth has been pipped at the post yet again. In a decision that surprised a few and angered as many, Kapil Dev was yesterday appointed coach of the Indian cricket team. While it was anticipated that Gaekwad's contract would not be renewed, it was popularly believed that Srikkanth would be named his successor. Srikkanth has been coach of both the India 'A' team and the Indian youth team in the past. Srikkanth has been successful at both stints. Kapil Dev demanded a three year contract and a say in matters of team selection. While he got neither, the board has made some concessions and agreed to a two year contract. Kapil Dev will sign a two year contract shortly effective from Ocober 1st 1999. He will also be given an unofficial say in selection. He has not been given a vote. Kapil Dev is currently the leading wicket taker in test cricket. He also led India to victory in the 1983 World Cup. However, he has had no prior coaching experience. Coaching an international team demands specialised skills and clear thinking. It remains to be seen whether Kapil Dev can deliver the goods with sheer charisma and inspiration alone. Gaekwad told the Times of India that he expected Kapil Dev to do a better job than he had, with his enourmous experience as both player and coach.

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Guest HariSampath

Here is some very interesting inside info from me that may surprise most Indian cricket watchers in India. Krish Srikkanth was asked by Cricket Australia if he was interested in taking up as the Senior Coach of the Australian U-23 team as well as Western Australia state side in 2003. Cheeka was in South Africa for the 2003 WC as commentator for Sony Max, and several Aussie cricketers approached him saying former Aussie players like Border and others had strongly recommended him. As he was not in India he asked them to contact me by email saying I was his managing agent ( although he had no agent or anything, and I was just a trusted longtime friend. So Cricket Australia and Kathy White, CEO of Western Australia, asked Sport Employment authority of Australia to contact me. Isn't it a totally fantastic thing for a country like Aus to entrus their U-23 team to Srikkanth as well as the WACA state team ? How many foreign coaches have they ever had, and we all know their high standards as well as the fact the U-23 is the cradle of their champion test / ODI side. I reproduce two emails here..( edited for mail IDs alone...just see) From:"Michael Catlow" ****@sportemploymentaustralia.com.au To:***@yahoo.comSubject:Senior Cricket CoachDate:Wed, 26 Mar 2003 17:05:51 Dear Mr. Sampath Thank you for your email dated 26 March, our client the Australian Cricket Board would like us to progress discussions regarding Mr. Srikkanth’s interest. We are attaching the relevant advertisement for your information and would like to clarify the role of Senior Coach – CBCA is much more than Coach of an Under 23 team. The Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy, a joint program of the Australian Cricket Board and the Australian Institute of Sport, hosts the most talented cricketers under the age of 23 years to accelerate their development to the first class cricket level. Our client, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) seeks to appoint an outstanding candidate to facilitate individual improvement for elite cricketers. SENIOR COACH – Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy The position, currently based in Adelaide, reports to the Head Coach - Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy. The successful candidate is likely possess:

  • Elite cricket talent program coaching experience.
  • Outstanding communications skills;
  • Level II NCAS accreditation;
  • Ability to work as a member of a team;
  • Tertiary qualifications, Human Movement / Sport Science.
  • High level computer and multimedia skills; and
  • Strong knowledge/background in cricket.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a high-calibre individua like Mr. Srikkanth to join the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy, a recognised world leader in the provision of programs that accelerate the development of elite young cricketers. Would Mr. Srikkanth please address the bullet points (in the advertisement) in his application and also provide us with a Resume of his background and any specific qualifications in Sports Science/Human Movement or Cricket Coaching. Please kindly indicate how soon Mr. Srikkath could commence in a new role based in Australia if he was successful. I assume he does not have any work permits for Australia. How long would he need to complete current work and domestic obligations in India? Thank you in advance of your interest MICHAEL CATLOW Director Sport Employment Australia Level 4/530 Collins Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000 Tel: 61 3 9620 2766 Fax: 61 3 9620 2966

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Guest HariSampath

The facts are Srikkanth doesn't "lobby" for anything, he will never approach the BCCI. But given the job, he will be very happy to do it, he has told me this many times. When a top cricket country even seriously want to entrust job of U-23 Senior coach plus their top state side WACA team's coach as well, we can imagine what Aussies think of his caliber...probably they like very aggressive cricketers, risk takers, brilliant fielders etc. The facts are Cheeka never even publicised ONCE he was sought after for that great coaching assignment.... any other former cricketer would have been trumpheting it from the rooftops and have made half a dozen TV channels and newspapers write about it. But Not Cheeka... he is just not that type. Now I am thinking perhaps if he had gone to Aus for 2 years, maybe we Indians (BCCI) would be bending backwards to get him as Indian coach, because we all have this "foreign stamped" complex.

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Now I am thinking perhaps if he had gone to Aus for 2 years' date=' maybe we Indians (BCCI) would be bending backwards to get him as Indian coach, because we all have this "foreign stamped" complex.[/quote'] that's a true statement and an embarassing one too... i never knew such facts about cheeka sir....
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Guest HariSampath

Here is a fantastic review on Krish Srikkanth on mouthshut.com. Sunil Gavaskar's one line comment on Srikkanth speaks volumes of what Cheeka is and why he has never got his due....what better person than Gavaskar, both as Cheeka's batting partner and all time great cricketer of India, to comment thus....this review speaks volumes on what Cheeka was and why he never became what he should have rightfully ****************************************************** ’’A cricketer every captain would like to have. A captain every cricketer would like to have.’’.That is what Sunil Gavaskar tells about Krishnamaachari Srikaanth,a man with very few or no enemies, a rare distinction for anyone pursuing the Gentlemans game. It was Srikaanth,fondly Cheeka alongwith the legendary Vivian Richards,who introduced the concept of hitting over the head of fielders.With Vivian Richards batting at No.04 or No.05 in a strong Carrabean batting line up,Srikkanth happened to be the first batsman who used the first 15 overs,for the benefit of scoring runs.Ironically the critics and purists of those days launched verabal attacks on Srikkath for his attacking and agressive batsmanship.Cheeka was a capable and useful opening batsman in both forms of the game.Only towards the fag end of his career,he was developed as a part time offie,and Srikkanth did justice to his limited potential.He had bagged 3 5 wicket hauls,and had won matches for India with his bowling.He was also an agile and atheletic fielder,who could cprint and dive with no restrictions.Thus he was entirely a useful cricketer,who would deliver in all forms of the game. Srikkanth had played a major role at the top in many of India’s victories at home and abroad.Particularly his perfomances were captivating and critical in the 1983 World Cup and 1985 Benson Hedges World Championship,unarguably Indias best two wins. Srikkanth still easily remains one of the most jovial cricketers on and off the field.He was a compulsary smiling person,who would be the first to pounce and hug upon a cricketer during celebrations.He maintained a high degree of rapport with the opposition and umpires on and off the field.Even today he has good relations with almost all of the players,analysts and authorities. Chikaa was easily approachable for anybody from the National President to the wayside fan.That he maintained the quality in all times,his acme and in his nadir speaks volumes about the integrity and unbiasedness of this person.This integrity and unbiasedness was found in all his facets,and was the prime reason for him being a popular cricketer,succesful captain,and a respected coach. Srikkanth always gave his full,be it on the field,or off the field.He always believed on working from the heart.He would start straightaway,and never minded following his orthodox practices,and never think twice on promoting talent.That qulaity would even reflect in his success as a cricket columnist,as his articles tend to be to the point,and simple.There would be no lines deliberately to prove his verbal acumen or lines in praise of a particular person. Srikkanths hall mark was his tendency to work with great care for his team mates and colleagues.He always beleived in making things easy for other players,and this tenet was useful in his popularity and sucess.Srikaanth was directly involved in harnessing many major talents like Tendulkar,Manjrekar,Agarkar,Kambli,Sivaramakrishnam,Robin Singh,Murali Karthik,Hemang Badani,Sodhi,Kaif,Harbajan Singh,Venugopala Rao,Ambati Rayudu etc.All the players would speak highly about Cheeka’s role in shaping their individual career at different times. The only weak link,or i would say the portayed weak link in Cheekas armour was his joviality.The atmosphere with which he works in would be too jovial and many times mistaken as fun,in place of activity.But in real it was people carrying acticity with a lot of fun.Cheeka would take things seriously,was serious on his job,but hid them with liveliness.But the cricket authorities misinterpreted as usual, and wasted Cheeka as a captain and a coach. Many players have termed Srikkanth as unlucky,claiming that he played in an era that did not respect his style of batting(ironically a syndrome nowadays).But Cheeka with his simple yet effective techniques and tenets would be an essential component of any era.As my neigbour senior citizen says’’A complete player,not considered because he was too consistent and cohesive’’. *************************************************************

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