Vision for Indian cricket : A beautiful mind of a man on mission

[DesiChap]

Kumble sets high standards By Rohit Brijnath If you're looking to describe Indian captain Anil Kumble, you reflexively pick serious. Not a guy with a propensity for dramatics, or a preference for ear piercings. In 1999, I spent a day with him after his 10-74 against Pakistan, and during a speech to school kids, like a young professor he stressed to them the value of the three D's. "Determination, discipline, dedication". Was this Mr Kumble? A businesslike, buttoned-up hero, the brand ambassador for, of all things, a university? A no-messing-around kind of guy who goes head-hunting with an old ball? But Anil Kumble is more than that. He's an emotional cricketer. Really. His face isn't blank, it's like a moving picture of rage (coming into bowl), annoyance (misfield off his bowling), desire (all day long), delight (any wicket). Ask him and he says: "I try and do everything I can to win". Businesslike? Maybe not. As a bowler, he won matches. As captain, he wants to leave something behind Here's another thing about Anil Kumble. He's amusing. Really. He's India's first bowler to be awarded the captaincy since Ravi Shastri got the gig for a single Test about 20 years ago. So it's fair to ask him if he's sick of the glorification of batsmen in India, to which he says, politely: "It's not the glorification of batsmen I object to, but the non-glorification of bowlers. We're never given the credit". 'Vision' Bowlers in India aren't viewed as ..well.. as sexy as batsmen, perhaps? "Well", he says, smiling down the phone, "we're not the pin-up boys. Don't sell soap or cola". I ask him if people have read him wrongly as a man, and he says: "I don't care as long as they read me wrongly when I'm bowling". The stern captain as comedian, who would believe it? I don't care as long as they read me wrongly when I'm bowling Anil Kumble Primarily, though, Kumble is as meticulous as he looks. If he agrees to an interview, he's there. On time. If you ask a question he's not prepared to reply to, say about a team-mate, his tone will inform you not to ask it again. He's what we expect Indian cricketers to become but few do. A professional. It's why when he arrived for the first Test against Pakistan he distributed what he terms "a document" among his players. What was in it? "What I expect from them. (That) this is what it takes to be part of the Indian team," he says. He then gave a document to the board, about which he says only this: it's about "how I want them to help me". Because there is no dishonesty to Kumble, he accepts that the calendar on his cricketing life is running out of pages. He's never been a make-up-the-numbers kind of cricketer, more a leave-an-imprint kind of sportsman. As a bowler, he won matches. As captain, he wants to leave something behind. He wants his document, call it a vision, to percolate down, he says, right to the under-15 level, so even young cricketers understand, early, what is required to be an Indian cricketer. Stuff like .... well, determination, dedication, discipline. 'Play fearless cricket' Kumble's words are familiar ("play fearless cricket", "team goals come first"), but a fresh voice can stir a dressing room. The spinner knows that egos can collide, misunderstandings can occur, this is the very nature of team. Perhaps it is why he stresses "it's an important thing to be transparent" and insists when problems arise he will "resolve the issue not the individual". What he means is, with him it's never going to be personal. He is a strongly commonsensical man, not one for cabals or conspiracies, and unsurprisingly stated to his team how he will captain. He told them "everyone will get a decent run"; he insisted "everyone will be clear about their role". He is attempting, as so many Indians captains have, to start something small. Change an attitude. Type the first lines towards India becoming a professional team in every sense of the word. Kumble is a fearless sportsman When you win, those philosophies are reinforced, and victory over Pakistan, despite their brittleness, was an encouraging beginning. But now, a bowler of intelligent fury is going to require all his strength, of shoulder and character, in Australia. Of all cricketing tests, this is the most revealing, for the remorseless Australians are adept at peeling back a man's weakness. Under their gaze, batsmen can look too old, bowlers too young and captains too uncertain. Unyielding It is fortunate that Kumble is unyielding, and anyone who remembers him from the time he sported a South Indian hero's moustache, and a Sanskrit professor's spectacles, knows that. In short order, the captain must sort out the opening conundrum (my opinion: leave Rahul at No.3), convince those openers Lee-Tait are just an Australian media myth, know when to take himself off and rest, return the sorcery to Harbhajhan's fingers, add a few kph to Pathan's delivery, keep the body language positive when the flies gather and Ponting bullies, and maintain his temper. Did I mention it's a good thing he has sturdy shoulders? Kumble has a vision for the team Kumble has taken 584 Test wickets (more than the rest of his bowlers combined) because he never accepted second-best from himself. He will not tolerate any less from his team. He should be judged fairly, not merely on victory but if his team competes intensely from Melbourne in late December to Adelaide in late January. Every match means a lot to Kumble at 37. It's why his face is so mobile. It's why he wrote that document. Junior cricketers in India should ask for it. But till it arrives they should simply watch their country's captain, for his life is a lesson in itself and can be told in three words he treasures. Dedication, discipline, determination. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7149229.stm

[kumble_rocks]

Good article . Loved this retort - "I ask him if people have read him wrongly as a man, and he says: "I don't care as long as they read me wrongly when I'm bowling"." :hysterical:

[Guest dada_rocks]

perhaps beating aussie in aussie land is kumble's destiny

[Guest BossBhai]

-- Removed on request of the user --

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Skipper Kumble scripts vision for Team India Kumble recently circulated an 8-pt document that could form the basis for playing cricket by Indian teams, reports Kadambari Murali. More... You may have noticed that the Indian team has been playing and acting differently over the past couple of months. The team’s attitude during the Sydney controversy, the lack of rancour about who was picked or dropped in the XI, the camaraderie on and off the field — all this could be born from a code envisioned as a blueprint for the game, now and in the future. The document would be a stated vision that would serve as a set of guidelines, which could be revised by future generations of Indian players.Meant to be Indian cricket’s vision document, sources said the eight-point draft was unveiled by Anil Kumble in the team’s hotel in Delhi late November. India’s new Test captain had put together a three-page note, detailing what had thus far been a mélange of ideas coming out of chats and loud thinking. The document was not a mission statement like the Australian ‘Spirit of Cricket’ drafted by then captain Steve Waugh and coach John Buchanan. But the basic idea, said sources in the team, was the same. The thought was that India too needed a specified system of cricket, a plan by which all cricketers would play the game. The document would be a stated vision that would serve as a set of guidelines, which could be revised by future generations of Indian players. According to sources, the document focuses on eight areas including selection issues, training methodology, strategy, recognition, conflict resolution, and dealing with an intrusive media. This one turned out to be the most critical. When the team refused to leave the hotel during the Harbhajan Singh incident, the players had a closed-door meeting. Unlike other instances, this time the press was completely out of the loop. Action plan for the future The code calls for an openness that hasn’t always been apparent in player selections. It asks that team leaders be more sensitive to their teammates, especially when a player is to be dropped from the playing XI. It recommends that playing XIs be decided a day in advance (and not on match day) and that players be told of this as soon as the decision is made. In keeping with the notion of greater understanding and just being nicer and more professional, it asks that the captain or vice-captain personally tells the player who's been dropped that he's out and why he's out. Sometimes though, depending on "team dynamics" — read this as a teammate who is closer to the player concerned — another player could be asked to do the talking. There's been a lot of heartburn about how some players get short shrift and some get a really long rope, so the document asks that every player gets a reasonable run in the team and if they are dropped after that, they are informed of the reasons for that axing. The team strategy would be aggressive (as opposed to being defensive) and built around taking calculated risks, not dependent on factors like the weather, pitch conditions or the toss. While the planning would still be done by the team management and senior players, the captain is to be held responsible for the execution and implementation of that strategy on the field. And given all the talk about a reported senior-junior gulf within the team, the document also calls for the recognition of achievers. It recommends that players who have accomplished a lot be respected and recognised appropriately by their peers and by the system. It also recommends “conflict resolution” at the earliest, and asks that players be professional at all times. Since inter-personal relationships play a vital role in any team building exercise and issues and problems arise periodically, it asks that players sort out these issues rationally and then move on. “Basically, even if you hate somebody within the team, you have to remember that once you cross the line, you're on the same side,” said a player. “So it’s far better that issues are sorted out immediately.” The document asks players to adopt either a closed-door policy or an open one when dealing with the media. Under the first, only the captain or a nominated player can speak to the media under certain conditions on tour while, under the second, anyone can speak to anyone. In both cases, certain rules will be followed, dressing room confidentiality maintained and players will not deviate from those rules. Most believe that Indian cricket works on a combination of luck and fate. This document is obviously still quite basic. But for players and fans alike, this vision could be the start of something special.

[talksport]

What are the Eight Points ?

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We can become number one, says Anil Kumble The Test captain wants Team India to quickly get over the euphoria of a rare one-day success in Australia. Heroes' homecoming | Pics More... We can be number one, says Kumble Sanjay Rajan, Reuters Bangalore, March 06, 2008 First Published: 19:31 IST(6/3/2008) Last Updated: 19:45 IST(6/3/2008) Test captain Anil Kumble wants India to quickly get over the euphoria of a rare one-day success in Australia and focus on becoming the world's top test playing nation by the end of the year. India won the tri-series finals 2-0 on Tuesday but leg spinner Kumble, who led the team in the controversial test series in January, believes they can knock Australia off their perch to become number one in the world rankings. "If we continue to do well, then by the end of the year we will be there at number one," Kumble told Reuters on Thursday. India lost 2-1 in the four-test series that featured a divisive second test in Sydney marred by poor umpiring and the hosts alleging that India spinner Harbhajan Singh had racially abused all-rounder Andrew Symonds. The tourists won the third test in Perth before drawing the final test in Adelaide, which took them to second position in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings. The one-day team, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, then won the triangular series, which also included Sri Lanka, by comprehensively beating hosts Australia in the finals. "It is important not to get carried away by the euphoria that has been created by the one-day series victory and also our (test) performances in Australia. That's history now." "It is for us to take this momentum through. There is a lot of test cricket coming up now." India host South Africa this month for three tests before travelling to Sri Lanka in April for tests and one-dayers. The Australia and England test sides are also scheduled to tour India later this year. Kumble, 37, was appointed skipper late last year after Rahul Dravid stood down and he made a winning start in the home series against Pakistan but the tough terrain of Australia was always going to be his biggest challenge. Team unity He said the resilience and unity the team displayed during the controversies in Australia had convinced him India had the potential to become world beaters. "In Australia when things were down, or when things were tough, it was important for all these players to get together and ensure they were a lot more resilient and come back stronger." "We did that in Perth and also in Adelaide and then the one-day series. It filtered down and rubbed off on the one-day squad as well and (led to) brilliant performances by them." Kumble aims to cap his career by leaving the team at the very least within touching distance of the top. "I'd definitely like to create that kind of environment where we can reach that level, if not get there when I am there." "It is important that we develop that kind of a strategy and momentum and ensure that we get there." "We definitely have the quality and potential to get to number one. Although we are number two, in terms of points we are way behind (Australia)." Kumble said in the process of achieving the goal his team should be careful not to lose their Indian style. "We have our own way of playing the game in terms of our skills and our attitude on the field. I have always felt that we should not change just because another team is successful with a different cultural attitude."

[Chandan]

Test captain Anil Kumble wants India to quickly get over the euphoria of a rare one-day success in Australia and focus on becoming the world's top test playing nation by the end of the year. India won the tri-series finals 2-0 on Tuesday but leg spinner Kumble, who led the team in the controversial test series in January, believes they can knock Australia off their perch to become number one in the world rankings. "If we continue to do well, then by the end of the year we will be there at number one," Kumble told Reuters on Thursday. "It is important not to get carried away by the euphoria that has been created by the one-day series victory and also our (test) performances in Australia. That's history now." "It is for us to take this momentum through. There is a lot of test cricket coming up now." India host South Africa this month for three tests before travelling to Sri Lanka in April for tests and one-dayers. The Australia and England test sides are also scheduled to tour India later this year. "In Australia when things were down, or when things were tough, it was important for all these players to get together and ensure they were a lot more resilient and come back stronger." "We did that in Perth and also in Adelaide and then the one-day series. It filtered down and rubbed off on the one-day squad as well and (led to) brilliant performances by them." Kumble aims to cap his career by leaving the team at the very least within touching distance of the top. "I'd definitely like to create that kind of environment where we can reach that level, if not get there when I am there." "It is important that we develop that kind of a strategy and momentum and ensure that we get there." "We definitely have the quality and potential to get to number one. Although we are number two, in terms of points we are way behind (Australia)." Kumble said in the process of achieving the goal his team should be careful not to lose their Indian style. "We have our own way of playing the game in terms of our skills and our attitude on the field. I have always felt that we should not change just because another team is successful with a different cultural attitude."

Finally, someone is talking sense after this euphoria. Test success should be our main aim, and we are playing a number of tests this year. If we do well this year, we'll certainly be in the touching distance of number 1. And honestly, this is the only success I crave for. I hope rest of the players gain their focus back as well.

[sm332]

can someome run the numbers on what needs to happen for us to be no.1 ?

[Laaloo]

yea so we're playing 3 tests against saf then 4 or 3 against sl and then 4 against aus at home hmm come on we can do it!!

[King]

It's good to have two different captains for two different formats. By the time the Saffie series starts Kumble would have spent enough time on planning and will be pretty fresh to take on the Saffies. The other mainstay Rahul, Ganguly, Laxman, Sehwag, Jaffer will also be quite fresh mentally and physically. It's good to have a mix of core players for either format. Dhoni, Sachin and the bowlers will be pretty jaded for now. Hopefully 3 weeks rest would suffice to recharge.

[Bumper]

It's good to have two different captains for two different formats. By the time the Saffie series starts Kumble would have spent enough time on planning and will be pretty fresh to take on the Saffies. The other mainstay Rahul' date= Ganguly, Laxman, Sehwag, Jaffer will also be quite fresh mentally and physically. It's good to have a mix of core players for either format. Dhoni, Sachin and the bowlers will be pretty jaded for now. Hopefully 3 weeks rest would suffice to recharge.

Thats a good point. What two captains does is (in addition to what you have mentioned), it does not let the captain sit on his butt relishing the laurels in one format while underperforming in the other. Kumble will be as hungry to win as he was before the Aus tour, as he wouldnt feel part of the ODI success as much.

[f.b.m]

Thanks Captain Obvious! :D Nice common sense talk by Kumble though. I'd like to see him getting Kallis out a few times.

[Chandan]

I hope Kumble has planned things with Kirsten and has told him about other team mates too. Do you think our test team will be the same as we had in Adelaide, exceot a genuine opener coming in for Pathan?

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BCCI compiles the "Vision for Indian cricket" The BCCI is said to take on board Anil Kumble's suggestions made in a document called 'Leading the Indian team through the transition period'. Kadambari Murali reports. The vision in a nutshell More... Coping with change Kadambari Murali, Hindustan Times New Delhi, March 10, 2008 First Published: 00:56 IST(10/3/2008) Last Updated: 03:02 IST(10/3/2008) The BCCI is set to take on board the suggestions made by Test skipper Anil Kumble in a document called ‘Leading the Indian team through the transition period’. The suggestions include detailing a common vision (set by the Board, players and selectors together), listing long-term goals and short-term objectives; having a proper policy of rotation that will see younger players brought into the team in a phased manner even as experienced players are systematically rotated; ensuring that senior players are allowed to exit with dignity intact; and identifying a young core group of players who will shoulder responsibility for decisions with seniors so they can wholly take over in future and support the next captain. A few days ago, top BCCI officials, incoming coach Gary Kirsten and Kumble met up in Mumbai to discuss a number of issues related to taking Indian cricket forward. This paper — first shown to the Board's top officials in Delhi on the day that Kirsten was interviewed for the job — was discussed. The contents of that paper have even more significance now, after a largely young India's CB Series triumph and before a somewhat older group of players takes on South Africa in the three Test series beginning March 26. BCCI chief administrative officer Prof Ratnakar Shetty told HT from Mumbai on Sunday that Board president Sharad Pawar had already told Kumble that the document was “both relevant and practical” and assured him that the Board would actively work on the suggestions to make sure they were put in place at the earliest. “The only thing is that to complete a set-up like what is suggested will take a bit of time as certain sensitivities have to be considered, but it will be done," said Shetty, adding that the suggestions “were for the good of Indian cricket and would be implemented carefully”. “Some processes are already in place. We have appointed Dhoni as vice-captain of the Test team as part of a process of transition. Today, with the comprehensive set-up in place at the NCA, players know where to go in case of injuries and rehabilitation. There's a lot of talk about other things, controversies hog the limelight but there are also a lot of good things happening in Indian cricket, steady changes that will help immensely,” Shetty added. There is no doubting that Indian cricket is in transition at the moment. Some really big names are in the twilight of very impressive careers and a bunch of fresh faces are already jostling for space in an overcrowded pool. India, so far, lacks a proper system that will ensure a smooth transition from one generation to the next without heartbreak or anger. If the BCCI brass takes a collective breather from the glitz and gloss of the IPL and actually begins implementing these suggestions, Indian cricket could really be making giant steps forward.

[Chandan]

Vision in a nutshell (It is a must check link) VISION IN A NUTSHELL Vision, goals and objectives *Evolve a vision with top BCCI management *Define medium term and long-term goals with the selection committee *Lead the team with short term objectives that are aligned to the goals and vision *Creation of a framework with a time-bound execution plan for the next captain Rotation Policy and Succession Planning *Facilitate a graceful, deserving and well-planned farewell to experienced and committed current cricketers (easier to manage by an experienced player as captain than an incoming, new captain) *Phase in younger players through a careful rotation policy. The policy will allow selectors to assess incoming players over a run of matches while current, experienced players are rotated. *Transfer the on-field workload to an identified core group of emerging players in a safer environment where they can fall back on experienced players in case it is needed. Leadership and Team Ethic *Involve members of the emerging core group in the off-field strategizing thinktank. This will be the leadership group to support the next captain while also providing the selection committee with alternative choices should the need arise. a *Create the foundation of a team ethic that will sustain beyond one captain's tenure. Administrative Support Structure *Liaise with the BCCI to fill in critical positions such as administrative manager, media manager etc with qualified professionals. *Establish a clear reporting relationship between the administrators, coaches and players to enable the team to achieve goals. Succeeding captains should be focussed on the execution without being hindered in these areas. (The fifth and final section, deals with the media, accepting it as being there and needing to deal with it through a proper process)

[f.b.m]

India has abundant talent, says Chappell

Damn, talk about insider knowledge!! Next: India has a lot of people, says Cappell.

[IndianRenegade]

For a change Chappell is tight lipped about his views, only had he been so a year or so ago.... he would have been better off.

[King]

Why is Chappell's views in this thread?

[Chandan]

Sorry Ravi, It must have got merged in this by mistake. I'll remove it. BTW, Why don't you guys underline what your vision for Indian cricket is? Would you like to have a goal for the team in terms of result consistency or say win percentage? How about putting a goal for tightening the ground fielding and catching skills?