what is the way forward?

[zen]

With both a disappointing end to 2012 and beginning to 2013, the feeling of a need for change in Indian cricket has never been so strong. However, a change in whatever form done for the sake of it is not always effective. To effectively make a change, a plan that considers all factors in 360 degrees should be laid out to make all factors work in harmony rather than negating each other. First, there is a need to define the goal that team India wants to achieve. Like many corporations, is it the restless focus on short term to improve the stock price (Win-Loss record) to please the Wall Street (the diehard fans)? Or does Team India want to stay at the top for longer cycles and be amongst the top 3 sides in the world? Every situation presents some sort of opportunity. In this case, the current situation gives us the opportunity to rebuild and shift the team's focus on the long term. Focusing on long term would also imply that we should not be too concerned about what happens on the stock market (win/loss) in the short run. In a rebuilding process, a loss is a part of the learning process where we experiment and discover things that both work and do not work. If we identify our goal as improvement in the long term, we shift our attention on our quest to be strong by focusing on learning and way to improve. The wins or losses in the short run, even though important, should not bother us much. To go somewhere, we have to know where we want to go. One of the negatives about Indian cricket has been that those in the seats of power rarely give us the impression that they know where to go. In the absence of this knowledge, the squads are picked as if to impact the price on the stock market in the short run. In the past, the focus on short run was acceptable as we had established players, but not now. A good strategy is one which is focuses on factor(s) that can make the biggest impact. There would always be a bunch of factors that can make a difference on their own, but given the resources, a good strategy identifies those factor(s) that work in harmony to give the desired results. For Team India, despite a bunch of goals to achieve including rising in the test rankings (which means having batsmen and bowlers who can be successful both in India and overseas), defending the world cup title in 2015 and doing well in T20s world cup, the challenge would be iselecting key area(s) to focus on. One of the most agreeable goal would be to be able to defend the world cup (or at least be in the last 4) in 2015. This goal gives us a 24-months time-frame to build our team. Focusing on this would also allow us to segregate players in a way where their strengths can be better utilized. For example, we can make a transition of quality players who may not be playing the 2015 world cup but still have 2-3 years of cricket left to tests. If these players are both fit and in great form in 2015, they can be considered for the world cup without hesitation. Next would be to understand our strategy in ODIs. In the past, we could bank on our world class batting line up. However with our batting not like it was in the past and some changes in ODI rules, we need to know if we will go in with 4 bowlers or 5 bowlers (including all-rounders). Once a strategy is decided upon, for example say playing 5 bowlers, we need to understand who the best 5 batsmen and bowlers are, along with their support. If we identify, someone as a potential all-rounder, then he needs to be given the encouragement to develop himself in domestic cricket. For example, a bowler who has good batting potential can be encouraged to bat in the top 5 or 6 in the Ranji trophy to develop his mindset to bat like a batsman. Also there is the ongoing demand for having sporting pitches in the domestic tournaments. Below is a shortlist of potential players from the top of my mind: Seniors: Sehwag, Gambhir and Zaheer. BCCI need to have a word with them to know about their retirement plan. With so much at stake in sports today, you cannot keep the team hanging on how you want to go about. A plan by its nature changes as per the dynamics. So once you make a plan, it is not set in stone. But it is never the less good to have one. In fact anyone reaching 35 years should be asked to discuss his exit strategy. Future Batting Backbones: Pujara and Kohli. At this point, these two look like the best bet. All efforts should be made to develop them in to batsmen who can be successful in most batting conditions. Support Batsmen: Dhoni, Yuvraj, Raina, Rahane and Chand. To name a few, again efforts should be made to identify and develop more talent. One of the problems is that India has many batsmen who can bat in the 5 to 7 positions but fail to make a successful transition to batting in the top 4 in any format. Future Bowlers: Yadav is the only one that comes to me as a competitive bowler. There are a lot of opportunities for other bowlers to grab. B Kumar has done well in the limited opportunities that he has got. A key focus here should be on developing a rotation policy and fitness. WK: ? Based on the above, it is needless to say that BCCI, selectors, coach and captain have a bigger role to play now than in the past and be proactive. Without a strategy in place it would be difficult to move forward in a way we wish. If we have the BCCI, selectors, coach and captain act independently, we can expect to have a prolonged rut. As every situation is also an opportunity, at present we can choose to focus on the long term something that we have usually avoided in the past.

[jairamesh]

My view, Identify strategy: Short Term a) Retain World Cup 2015 b) Win Test series in England, South Africa and Australia. Long Term a) Reach number 1 in Tests by 2017, b) Reach number 1 in ODIs by 2017 c) Remain there for at least four years. c) Repeat cycle (incl both short and long term goals) Strategic action: Better integration of Ranji to India A program to India first team, achieved by: a) Revamp of Ranji tourney (which has already happened and seeing some positives coming out) b) More India A tours, with BCCI resources I would even kick start India B tours. c) Provide every Ranji side with World Class training facilities along the lines of MRF Pace Academy, surely BCCI has enough funds here! d) No one with links to IPL shall be on BCCI board:hehe:, selection committee, or coaching staff. d) Review progress bi-annually, and any severe shortcomings should result in sackings (captain, coach, selectors, etc.) i.e. introduce consequences To achieve all the above, all nitpicking needs to done as explained in the OP.

[Clarke]

My view, Identify strategy: Short Term a) Retain World Cup 2015 b) Win Test series in England, South Africa and Australia.

Badi lambi phenk riya hai, ye short term goals hai :hehe:

[Laaloo]

Pick a team based on form and skillset not on past reputation

[jairamesh]

Badi lambi phenk riya hai' date=' ye short term goals hai :hehe:[/quote'] planning boss! Well the first one is coming up, Dec 2013 away to SA. So 12 months for the BCCI and team to collectively aim at something. In between we play all our cricket at home. So selectors could start by picking a strong India A team to tour England in June/July 2013. Maybe arrange another early India A tour to South Africa in Oct/Nov 2013. Also play organize three first class games for India in South Africa before 1st Test. Like OP said, start to identify the core players guaranteed for Dec '13. My core players for that tour currently sadly has only four. So alot of work to do in 12 months. Kohli, Sachin, Pujara, Yadav

[ExpressPace]

I think BCCI should lessen the # of matches being played every year specially IPL games. Indian bowlers are getting burned out at really fast rate. Yaduv, Arun, Irfan, Zaheer, Srisaanth to name a few bowlers that are on injury list. If your batsmen are not back by good bowling then they will lose confidence. Look at Dhoni, constantly playing 4 bowlers because he has no faith in them so instead he plays an extra batsmen to over come the short coming of bowling department. India has a good talent pool but the need someone who can manage them. I think Gary was the guy and some how they need to reel him back in.

[gimac]

Get rid of IPL (as if that'll happen).

[Ponka]

My view, Identify strategy: Short Term a) Retain World Cup 2015 b) Win Test series in England, South Africa and Australia.

What else is left to win then??? In Ponka's opinion ur short term goals are long term goals actually. Short term goals would be to 'NOT' lose the next ODI series and the series following that.

[zen]

Bhailogo, kiya short term or kiya long term pe time kyun waste kar rahe ho. Uska high level ka point dekho :icflove:

[jairamesh]

What else is left to win then??? In Ponka's opinion ur short term goals are long term goals actually. Short term goals would be to 'NOT' lose the next ODI series and the series following that.

Planning is not like Ponka's random predictions. That's the problem with some these days wanting results instantly. Winning next series can be one tiny step to progress or just another band aid depending how team is selected.

[jairamesh]

The ECB did a similar thing (Schofield) after their Ashes 2007 humiliation and 2007 WC exit. The Schofield Report recommended the following 19 steps: 1) Central Contracts: To ensure the system of Central Contracts is maintained and developed by establishing challenging individually tailored training and preparation programmes which are closely monitored through the Performance Centre at Loughborough University, and reflect the 'needs' rather than the 'wants' of the players. 2) England Performance Squad: Players outside the system of Central Contracts, but selected for the England Performance Squad should have an individually tailored 12 month training and preparation programme closely monitored through the Performance Centre. 3) Skills Sets: Skills Sets of players up to the age of Under 19 should be established, and have individually tailored 12 month training and preparation programmes closely monitored through the Performance Centre 4) International Exchanges: Maintain and develop links with Academies and teams throughout the World in order to provide players in England squads with the opportunity to spend time overseas developing their technical and tactical skills at appropriate times during their development. 5) Fitness and Conditioning: The introduction of individually tailored strength and conditioning programmes for players within England programmes at all levels. 6) Medical Support and Screening: To implement the recommendations within the ECB Science and Medicine Review, enhance the medical screening of all senior players, particularly fast bowlers, and provide 'World Class' medical support for Centrally Contracted players. 7) Player Personal Development: To provide individual personal development programmes for each player in the England Performance Squad programme including media training in order to ensure the development of 'well-rounded' individuals. 8) Captaincy & Leadership Development: The establishment of mentoring and development programmes for players who are in, or have the potential to be in, Captaincy and leadership roles within England cricket. 9) Coaching and support staff professional development: The establishment of Professional Development programmes for England coaches and support staff in order for them to remain leading edge practitioners 10) Skill development: Supplement the coaching resources at the Performance Centre by the appointing a Fielding Coach responsible for raising the standards of this discipline throughout the game. 11) Succession planning: Maintain a succession plan for all key positions within the England programme FOCUSING ON THE TEAM 12) International programme: To provide more opportunities for players to prepare, perform, repair and regenerate by reducing the amount of International cricket. 13) Establishing the National Cricket Centre as the 'Performance Centre': Refurbishment and rebranding the National Cricket Centre at Loughborough as the ECB Performance Centre, and establish the Centre as the focal point for all England player monitoring and development. 14) Domestic Competition Structure: To reduce the amount of cricket played at First Class level to enable players to maintain and develop their cricket skills and fitness levels during the season, and provide competition formats and regulations which as far as possible mirror the international game. 15) Improving the quality of coaching: A review and continual updating of the Level 4 Coaching and CPD programme to ensure the top coaches are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop 'World Class' players. 16) Improve links/communications with Counties: Establish within a management structure, executive responsibility for promoting engagement and communication between England programmes and Counties, and raising the standards of First Class cricket. FOCUSING ON ECB 17) England Management Structure: The establishment of a new management structure within the ECB with full accountability and responsibility for the selection and performance of the England cricket team. 18) Player Tracking Database: The establishment of a player tracking database with the ability to monitor the development of every player in an England Squad 19) Ongoing Planning Process: Establish a robust biannual review process including all stakeholders and designed to take the game to the next level

[jairamesh]

^^^ We have nothing of sorts from BCCI in the last two years, except for cliche statements and some little wiggle here and there. A strategic plan would help players to collective aim at something together. Right now it seems each player seems to only have their own individual goals.

[jairamesh]

17) England Management Structure: The establishment of a new management structure within the ECB with full accountability and responsibility for the selection and performance of the England cricket team.

Fecking Srikanth, selectors and Fletcher.

[zen]

2) England Performance Squad: Players outside the system of Central Contracts, but selected for the England Performance Squad should have an individually tailored 12 month training and preparation programme closely monitored through the Performance Centre.

I wondered why can't BCCI help in sharpening the game of upcoming talent before drafting them in to the squad. For e.g. before Raina was selected, he could have been tested upon a wide array of bowling and given recommendations (or sent to relevant academy) to speed him up to international standard .... Same for bowlers .... honestly, with so much money at stake, even the players can themselves take the initiative What happens is that a player is picked, gets found out in international cricket, then we either look for replacement who is no better or the guy either develops his game or fades out. This has happened to a lot of players such as Yusuf Pathan A program in place to develop upcoming players would definately help to better prepare the players and serve as the bridge to facilitate a transition to international cricket

[asterix]

Kenyan board is now very interested to have an ODI series in India... From unconfirmed reports...

[asterix]

@Rett, that program is already in place. It's called as IPL...

[zen]

@Rett' date=' that program is already in place. It's called as IPL...[/quote'] The genius of BCCI :giggle:

[Ultimate_Game]

Quoting my post from anther thread regarding how we can improve... I know that our batting depth is gone and won't come back. We may have some of the same players but they have aged and are not the same. Sehwag and Gambhir of 2013 vintage are not the same Sehwag & Gambhir from 2010-11. Hoping to have the same depth or for batting to perform at the same level is ignoring the facts. Quoting Billy Bean from Moneyball "Nobody's asking the right questions. We are trying to replace Giambi and Damon which we will not be able to. We should be looking at how we can get .333 batting average with xyz on base %ge". Same here. We can try to unearth Sehwags, Gambhirs, Tendulkars, Dhonis at their peak but we will not be able to. So how do we bridge the gap? By improving our bowling strength as it would be easier to do than trying to replace ATGs in the batting lineup. Just because we were never a bowling power-house doesn't mean we cannot have a decent bowling attack. Lot of things have changed over the past 15 years. India is now the powerhouse which runs cricket, India generates millions of dollars in revenues and Indian cricketers are richest cricketers in the world. So how do we make all these things work for us? For starters I would revamp the central contract system. We hand out contracts to players who are stars rather than focus on player positions. E.g., if we have 25 central contracts we have 18 contracts handed out to batsmen coz they performed well and 2-3 to bowlers like Zak or Ashwin. What I would do is make central contracts focused on positions, so out of 25 contracts have 9 contracts for batsmen, 9 for bowlers, 3 for wks and 4 for all-rounders. You can be evenmore specific by ear-marking 6 out of 9 bowling contracts for pacers. What this system will do is get youngsters to focus on other disciplines than just batting. Now youngsters only want to become batsmen as they see Tendulkars/Sehwags/Dravids/Laxmans etc. But once they see that someone like Manoj Tiwary didn't get the central contract as he wasn't one of the top 9 batsmen but likes of Dinda and B Kumar made millions as they were in the top 9 bowlers, more youngsters would want to become bowlers. Money talks and eventually we will see more bowlers come through. This is just one of the strategies. BCCI can revamp MRF pace academy or NCA, maybe have a partnership with Aussie cricket academy to train our youngsters and so on. But to get better we have to improve our bowling stocks else we will continue to be a mdiocre side.

[jairamesh]

@Rett' date=' that program is already in place. It's called as IPL...[/quote'] :giggle:, On a serious note, it could be done, but it isn't. Because the players get shuffled around every two years, hence there is no incentive for IPL teams to develop the players. Also they can always rely on leeching off the local regional Ranji teams.

[Ultimate_Game]

:giggle:, On a serious note, it could be done, but it isn't. Because the players get shuffled around every two years, hence there is no incentive for IPL teams to develop the players. Also they can always rely on leeching off the local regional Ranji teams.

One way to avoid the problem is having long term contracts in place so that the franchises reap the benefit of developing youngsters. Obviously a system of checks and balances needs to be put in place so that franchises don't exploit the system and cheat youngsters by signing them to an unrealistic contract for say 8 years.