The Wright man for the job
Wright's professionalism was seen immediately in the use of the latestcomputer technology to formulate crucial strategies
Partab Ramchand
07-Nov-2001
It has been a year now since John Wright took over as the Indian
cricket coach, and this is as good a time as any to look back on what
has been an eventful year for Indian cricket. It would be worthwhile
to examine Wright's personal contribution to a rather dramatic phase
in which the Indian team has had its fair share of ups and downs.
It must be recalled that Wright took over the position at a very
critical juncture. Kapil Dev, his predecessor, resigned midway through
his two-year term after playing a cat-and-mouse game with the Board of
Control for Cricket in India in the wake of the match-fixing
allegations hurled at him. Secondly, it was not smooth sailing even as
Wright was appointed. No one doubted his credentials as a player,
captain and coach, but criticism centered around whether a foreign
coach was the panacea to the ills plaguing the Indian team. Many felt
that there were enough former Indian players with the necessary
qualifications. Thirdly, Wright himself had to fend off the
candidatures of Greg Chappell and Geoff Marsh to get the job. But he
did have the backing of former Australian captain Bobby Simpson, who
had served in the capacity of advisor for some time, and Rahul Dravid,
who already seen at close quarters Wright's style of functioning while
fulfilling his contract with Kent last summer.
Wright's professionalism was seen immediately in the use of the latest computer technology to formulate crucial strategies. This was an aspect that no Indian coach had covered. On landing in India, he went straight to Bangalore to purchase the right software. |
The victorious series against Zimbabwe last November was the first
with Wright in charge. There was certainly no overnight transformation
in Indian cricket, but, over the past year, there is little doubt that
there has been a certain professionalism in the approach. Greater
emphasis has been laid on matters of fielding and physical fitness,
and, while he has also touched upon some of the basics, aspects like
running between the wickets remain a problem. But he has definitely
been responsible for making the players mentally tougher, not sparing
anyone, and his frank appraisals have gone down well. His honesty is
patent, and his observations are analytical and to the point.
At the time he took over, Wright said "discipline and team effort"
were the two aspects on which he would concentrate. In an interview,
he said, "I believe in discipline and team effort. Individual
achievements are not all that important. I want all the 11 players in
the team to function as a unit." It was just as well, for a common
complaint was that the Indians looked strong as individuals but weak
as a team. He also made it clear that his main target was the World
Cup in South Africa. "I will be building up the team keeping in mind
the 2003 World Cup. I firmly believe that India has the talent to
match any other side in international cricket," he said.
There was another positive aspect to Wright's appointment. Board
circles felt that he would not be biased towards any of the factions
that normally exist in the Indian set-up. From this viewpoint, it has
been a healthy sign since the players have been encouraged to perform
better and not expect any favouritism whatsoever from the coach. But
then, in all his roles, Wright has been a quiet achiever. Never one
for the grandiose stance or plans, his motto has been simple and
straightforward - knuckle down and do your job well.
Wright's professionalism was seen immediately in the use of the latest
computer technology to formulate crucial strategies. This was an
aspect that no Indian coach had covered. On landing in India, he went
straight to Bangalore to purchase the right software. He also insisted
that instilling the pride of playing for the country would be the
topmost priority, a happy theory, for what is a coach if not a
motivator?
By having the knack of saying the right thing at the right time, there
were indications that he was the right man for Indian cricket. Over
the past year, he has developed a close rapport with the captain, the
players and the physio. And, even if the results have not exactly been
spectacular, they have not been poor either. Far from it, in fact. Any
balance sheet that displays arguably the greatest series triumph at
home has to have a healthy, if not opulent, overall look.
Indian cricket followers have always been impatient. Expecting fast
results, we are too quick to hire and fire, when what is really needed
is understanding, patience and perseverance. There are certain
inherent weaknesses in Indian cricket that Wright is working on. These
will not go away overnight. He himself made it clear at the beginning
of his tenure that he was building a team for the 2003 World Cup. Let
us give him time till then.