Battle of coaches : What sort of a coach do India need?

[vvvslaxman]

Two that stood out are 1) Kirsten 2) John wright ................ Bayliss - SL Siddons - BD Waqar - pak Nielsen - Australia Cory Vanzyl - SA Windies - Gibson England - Andy flower how would you rank them. Vanzyl sucked big big time i say.

[vvvslaxman]

All about Gary (Kirsten) http://www.iol.co.za/sport/all-about-gary-1.1053967 All about Gary April 8 2011 at 07:34am By Zaahier Adams *How does it feel to return to Newlands, where it all started, a World Cup winner? It’s always great to come home, it’s where I lived. I always enjoy coming back to Cape Town, especially after “mission accomplished”. I’m looking forward to sitting back and taking some time out. *Upon accepting the Indian post three years ago, did you ever imagine your term would be this successful? It is difficult. I went out there raw with not much coaching experience and I didn’t know the environment, besides having played against India. I asked Paddy (Upton, mental conditioning coach) if he would join me. He accepted and off we went. At the beginning we were finding our feet, but then it got to a stage after being in the job for six months when we were preparing to play Australia in 2008, that we sat down to map out what we wanted to achieve, because at that stage we were a bit directionless. We cemented our goals there and then. I found out what we required for us to become the No1 Test side in the world, and I was told we had to win every Test series for a year, and when we achieved that in November 2009, it was a great occasion for the Test team and the efforts they put in. We also wanted to become the best one-day team in the world, which we achieved, but then lost that after a bit of an up-and-down year. We then wanted to win the World Cup. It was about putting the pieces in place. *Prior to the World Cup, India had barely played a full strength ODI for the past two years. Was this a a deliberate attempt to give younger players exposure and gain experience? We were certainly keen to get players as much experience as possible. But the way it happened was almost by default. Because the Indian schedule is so jam-packed, the players started feeling comfortable with not playing every game, so we could enforce a rotational system, which I think was massive. *Do you believe your passion for the game was what endeared you to the Indian players, administrators and public? You’ve got to walk the talk, give all of yourself as a person, give all your values as a person. Going in with limited experience, but having played the game internationally for 11 years, I had an understanding of what was required, and I just remember saying to myself that I need to give all of my myself here. From early on the players understood that, that here is a guy who would not take any shortcuts. *Were there times when you missed your family being away from home for so long? Most coaches have young families these days, and you have to work out how to connect. Fortunately our kids are quite young, so they could travel with us. We made sure we weren’t apart for a month as a family. Either I’d come home or they would go there, so we saw each other a fair amount. *In spite of having played 101 Tests for South Africa, was it still an overwhelming experience to be the coach of the great Sachin Tendulkar? To be honest, it wasn’t. I had asked myself what can I do here? At the start, I had one-on-one meetings with everyone of the players. I asked them “What do do you want from me?” and there were different answers. That is where people get this coaching thing wrong. They think the only way you can add value, or have an influence on someone, is if you teach them how to hold a bat! Coaching is not about that, it is about getting the best out of people, managing people, working out a way that when that guy crosses the ropes to represent his country, you have given him everything that is necessary to help him. *What makes MS Dhoni special? He is the best captain in world cricket. He leads by example, is a great performer in his own right, he embraces difficult situations, he loves to know he has changed things around, he stays very calm and never loses his temper. He wanted me to prepare the team to take the field, and when they were on the field, he would take over. He is a good thinker on the field, one the best strategists. *Your entire backup staff is South African. Was that by coincidence or deliberate? I had Paddy there from the outset, because I knew he could add value. He really helped me in my career. I had an Indian bowling coach and fielding coach, and when their contracts ended we had to look for other guys. A few names were put forward, and when I saw Eric Simons there, I really pushed for him. I knew his work, knew what he could do, and he could add to the overall process. *South Africa adopted a three-man spin attack at the World Cup, yet India played just one in the knockout matches. Why? I don’t know the reason why (South Africa played three spinners). There is enough experience in that set-up to tell you why that attack was chosen at that specific time. As for India, we had tough selection processes throughout the World Cup. We were always keen to use that extra specialist spinner, but we also felt that would put extra pressure on our two seamers, because we would only ever have two seamers in the side. Meanwhile, South Africa can pick an extra spinner because they will always have three seamers with Jacques Kallis there. It was always a tougher decision for us and we made the decision based on the wicket and the opposition we would be playing against. Against the sub-continent teams we were keen on the extra seamer. *But while India were headed up by South Africans who specialise in mental preparation, the Proteas continue to struggle in the pressure moments. Do you have any insight into this matter? It’s been a little unfair the way the South African team have been treated, I must be honest with you, the more the word “choke” is used, the harder it is going to be for these young players. They are already carrying scarring from the past. I think the South African media should back off them a little bit. South Africa have a high performing team and have fantastic players coming through. We are effectively talking about one period in a major event every four years. Yes, we all know South African cricket has to overcome that. Let me tell you, I thought Graeme Smith interviewed really well after that game. It’s not something they haven’t prepared for, not something they haven’t tried to sort out. It’s been tough, and they’re doing everything they can to turn it around. *Is your next challenge coaching South Africa? I’ve been open about it, I think I would like to coach SA. But I’m not sure if the timing is right. I have made no decisions, at this stage, I’m happy not to make any decisions. This is an opportunity, as there have been many other opportunities. I am going to take my time and make that decision. *When you eventually do coach South Africa, how will you cope managing players you effectively played with? Every challenge you start from scratch. You build the relationship on what you can do within that relationship. It doesn’t really matter who it is, that relationship needs to be developed, that trust needs to developed. It doesn’t matter how well you know that player. *Having finished your career during Smith’s beginning stages as captain, and now watching him near the end – what are your feelings about him? I think he came in at the right time. He has been a fantastic leader. He has led with passion, showing great leadership qualities and taken this team to brilliant heights. *India’s World Cup-winning players have received everything from free air flights for life and first-class train passes. Have you received anything significant? (Laughs) No, I haven’t received any lavish gifts. Just a bonus. *Will part of your relaxing time be spent at Newlands watching rugby on Saturday? The Stormers at Newlands? Jeez, that would be nice. Who they playing? The Reds? Watching rugby ... now that would be a nice change. How does this new competition work again? - Cape Times

[Sachinism]

ECB plans long-term deal for Flower after BCCI shortlist reports The ECB has worked out a long-term deal for England coach Andy Flower and plans to meet him at the end of the month to discuss his future with the side, according to reports in the Daily Telegraph. The move is believed to be prompted by concerns that Flower is on the BCCI's shortlist to replace Gary Kirsten, whose tenure as the India coach ended with the World Cup. Flower has been integral to England's recent successes, including back-to-back Ashes series wins and a victorious 2010 World Twenty20 campaign. It is understood that England are keen to retain Flower, especially after being criticised for losing former bowling coach Troy Cooley to the Australian team. At the end of the physically and emotionally draining Ashes campaign, Flower would only say about his England future that "personally I don't look much further forward than a few months". Flower - whose assignment meant he spent large amounts of time at a stretch away from his young family - was critical of England's jam-packed schedule last winter. Coaching India will be an even more rigorous job, with the additional challenges of dealing with the expectations and politics of the subcontinent. Flower is currently believed to be on a rolling staff contract which offers the same protection rights as any other full-time employee. Indications are that he may be offered a fixed-term, three-year deal that could include clauses to protect the ECB from losing him to a third party. Such a contract would put Flower in charge for the next two Ashes, but not the 2015 World Cup. India's next international assignment is their tour of West Indies which kicks off on June 4, for which they are likely to have an interim coach. They are expected to name a full-time coach only ahead of the England tour starting mid-July. http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/story/511736.html Don't know how credible the reports on the shortlist are.

[BERGKAMP]

He wouldn't suit India at all, he is a tough disciplinarian with hard training methods. We need someone a bit more chilled out.

[Ramzz]

We need someone with a hard work ethic...the youngsters will be with tough training methods...the seniors might have to adjust a bit :P

[vijay810]

IMO India should try and get Fleming. As NZ captain Fleming displayed great understanding of game and had very good strategies. I think he should be the one.

[patriot]

Andy Flower's England contract expires. Is he in the reckoning as coach for India ? That would be a great transition, if it works out. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Flower-Fleming-in-running-for-India-cricket-coach-job-Report/articleshow/8024069.cms http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/england/8459573/Derek-Pringle-Indian-largesse-unlikely-to-tempt-loyal-England-coach-Andy-Flower.html Derek Pringle does not think so.

[vijay810]

Ek fool ( hindi wala phool) ke peeche itna competition

[Params7]

LMAO @ ECB taking measures against being poached :hysterical:

[Prakat]

:hysterical: The same ECB that is sucking Irish top talents out of their national side.

[Cricket Tragic]

I don't think that Flower would be a good choice for our team.

[cowboysfan]

I don't think that Flower would be a good choice for our team.

you are right,he seems to be a control freak.

[Ultimate_Game]

For India likes of Flower, Chappell, Whatmore etc. are not a good fit as they are strict disciplinarians and would more suited to teams like B'desh or Pakistan where coach will need to hold a whip to discipline players. With India the best coaches are the ones who are laid back and let the players have their space and make a few adjustments when required. So far our best coaches have been left handed dour opening batsmen with a laidback approach such as Wright and Kirsten. Following a similar trend I would go with Mark Richardson or Fleming from NZ if they are not a control freak, or Mark Taylor from Aus. Maybe Kepler Wessels can be interviewed as well if he's something like Kirsten.

[Feed]

What sort of a coach do India need? More... What sort of a coach do India need? An ideal candidate would be a man much like Gary Kirsten: a hardworking, unassuming, flexible former Test player Harsha Bhogle April 22, 2011 So Gary Kirsten is back in Cape Town, doubtless feeling like a bride at a swayamwar, fending off suitors of varying pedigree and looking for the right one. Kirsten was very good, but he was brave too. He knew what he wanted and was willing to sacrifice opportunity for it. Not all of us have priorities that are as clear; not all of us are selfless enough. Maybe that is why he made a good coach. India must wish him well and look for another. But the position of India's cricket coach is not an easy one to fill, because we are a landscape of the most diverse cultures, existing within one country. We can bewilder easily, we are too heterogeneous to understand. We pass legislation in favour of the gay community, and among us also reside people who murder their aunt because they suspect her of being in a same-sex relationship. We accept hunger but give in to hunger strikes. Our young players come from poor families and grow exceedingly rich in very little time. Understanding India isn't easy, and yet that must be a primary requirement for the coach of the Indian cricket team. Whoever it is that is finally appointed must be willing to embrace our culture; not loan himself to it but marry into it. For if he is unwilling to do that he will not understand the young men who play the game, the administrators who run it, the media that covers it incessantly, and the people of India who smile and cry, who deep within live and die with the sport. It is not about whether it is right or wrong - a coach cannot be judgemental about a culture - but about how it is. You can have a fine candidate but if he is reticent about accepting another culture, he is the wrong candidate. India can baffle and frustrate but can love without limits. A South African was carried around the ground, to his visible embarrassment, by his young Indian wards as a sign of respect after the World Cup was won. Money and contracts don't buy that. Being coach of the Indian cricket team is not a job; it is a relationship with some emoluments thrown in. It is not like coming to run the Indian operation of a multinational corporation. India needs to look for a man with an extraordinary work ethic, for that is not, inherently, a strength of Indian cricket. He must be willing to stay in the background, and that will be a challenge because our media can be extremely intrusive. He must be a giver. It cannot be his way and no other, because with him will be cricketers who have their way, a way that has been successful. And he must be low-key because, before he realises it, he can be caught in a political whirl otherwise. India needs to pick a man who does not seek to head down that path. He has to be someone who has done it himself on a cricket ground, because India, like no other nation, is unwilling to listen to someone who doesn't have a track record. Kirsten could have done everything else right but he would not have been accepted if he hadn't been a top Test player. India can never have a John Buchanan or a Mickey Arthur as coach. But for some reason India cannot have an Indian coach, and so we must live with the fact that a new man will turn up every few years, who will take time to understand the country, its people and its cricket. It is something Indian cricket, once it stops being obsessed with finances and power, needs to look at. India, or for that matter Asian nations, seem to be pretty good at producing cricketers but not coaches. Indeed, of the 10 IPL franchises, nine have overseas coaches. There must be a reason. The generation that must coach today didn't earn as much as those they coach. This is critical to understand, for it means they probably need the jobs, and could be pliable, could be politically influenced. Many seek to forward their cases through friends in the media and will not be able to terminate those relationships, or keep them at arm's length. If what happens in a selection committee meeting, for example, is routinely transmitted, surely what happens in a team meeting can be too. Can players, then, share their deepest anxieties and fears with the coach? While I would love to know what Yuvraj Singh went through, or what Sreesanth does, I find it reassuring in a way that I don't. I believe, though, that the players exiting the game now will be more at peace with themselves, can become coaches in time to come. Surely a Kumble can, a Laxman can. Hopefully Indian cricket will find a good man. But it is nice to know that the right man for a bigger job, the captain of the national team, already exists.

[Stuge]

A coach who doesn't want to become hero on his own . Coach who doesn't have the qualities like Greg Chappel .

[Ultimate_Game]

Copying one of my posts from another thread... For India likes of Flower, Chappell, Whatmore etc. are not a good fit as they are strict disciplinarians and would more suited to teams like B'desh or Pakistan where coach will need to hold a whip to discipline players. With India the best coaches are the ones who are laid back and let the players have their space and make a few adjustments when required. So far our best coaches have been left handed dour opening batsmen with a laidback approach such as Wright and Kirsten. Following a similar trend I would go with Mark Richardson or Fleming from NZ if they are not a control freak, or Mark Taylor from Aus. Maybe Kepler Wessels can be interviewed as well if he's something like Kirsten.

[Switchblade]

Copying one of my posts from another thread... For India likes of Flower, Chappell, Whatmore etc. are not a good fit as they are strict disciplinarians and would more suited to teams like B'desh or Pakistan where coach will need to hold a whip to discipline players. With India the best coaches are the ones who are laid back and let the players have their space and make a few adjustments when required. So far our best coaches have been left handed dour opening batsmen with a laidback approach such as Wright and Kirsten. Following a similar trend I would go with Mark Richardson or Fleming from NZ if they are not a control freak, or Mark Taylor from Aus. Maybe Kepler Wessels can be interviewed as well if he's something like Kirsten.

Players would conspire against the coach who is strict. Whatmore was about to become coach of Pakistan but didnt coz the the players didnt wanted him coz of his strictness.

[Sachin=GOD]

One who can help us defend the WC in 2015 and help us keep the Test no1 rank for a long time :D

[achilles]

That would be a great transition, if it works out. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Flower-Fleming-in-running-for-India-cricket-coach-job-Report/articleshow/8024069.cms http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/england/8459573/Derek-Pringle-Indian-largesse-unlikely-to-tempt-loyal-England-coach-Andy-Flower.html Derek Pringle does not think so.

Bad choice. We need people who let our captain and the seniors call the shots. Andy Flower is not a crap taker. Neither can he deal with the politics that is a part of the sport. We should go for someone low-key, who'll look the other way when the captain tries to manipulate or something.

[Cricket Tragic]

The names mentioned early on rarely get the job.