A happy swan song for Gaekwad
When he reluctantly took up the job two months ago, he was aware that it was only for a very limited period
Partab Ramchand
13-Nov-2000
When he reluctantly took up the job two months ago, he was aware that
it was only for a very limited period. Just two tournaments and then
he would be replaced by a foreign coach. But then the circumstances
under which he took over were rather extraordinary. National coach
Kapil Dev had sent in his resignation midway through an unhappy two
year term in the wake of match fixing allegations. The Board of
Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was still undecided on who the
foreign coach would be and when he would be named. But a coach had to
be appointed for the Indian team was committed to playing in
tournaments at Nairobi and Sharjah. Who else could the board turn to
but Anshuman Gaekwad. No matter that he had been removed from the post
rather unceremoniously last year. No matter that the stint would at
best be for a little over a month. The country needed him and the 48-
year-old former Indian opening batsman and Baroda captain just could
not say no.
As luck would have it, Gaekwad's stint lasted a little longer thanks
to the BCCI's procrastination in naming the foreign coach. The tenure
included the inaugural Test against Bangladesh and not unexpectedly it
was a highly satisfied Gaekwad who talked to CricInfo as India surged
towards victory during the fourth day's play of the Test at Dhaka.
Looking back at events over the last couple of months, Gaekwad said,
''honestly I can say it has been a satisfactory tenure. We beat top
teams like Australia and South Africa at Nairobi and we also defeated
West Indies in a practice game which was played in a very serious
atmosphere, I can tell you. There was suddenly a new confidence in the
side and it started winning.'' Speaking of the Dhaka Test, Gaekwad
conceded that ''we could have done better. We conceded too many runs.
But one must also give credit to Bangladesh who I thought played
really well in the first innings. Also one must not forget that the
pitch is placid. But I have not ruled out winning the Test. I just
told the boys to go out there and put pressure on Bangladesh.'' As
events turned out, India won in style.
On reflection, did he feel that the results could have been better?
''Well, yes, winning the final at Nairobi would have been the icing on
the cake and the showing at Sharjah could have been better. But
overall as I said I am quite satisfied with the results. The boys have
started winning, there is a new confidence and that was my main
objective when I took over.''
What would he list as among the gains? ''First of all, our fielding
has improved tremendously. Secondly, the teamwork is excellent. You
could see that in Kenya. We tried to follow a system and almost
everything went according to plan. And speaking of individuals, one
must say that the discovery of the three new young players was a big
bonus. Zaheer was an asset to the pace bowling department, Yuvraj was
a tower of strength in the middle order while Dahiya too did well
behind the stumps.''
Asked how he would like to be associated with Indian cricket in
future, Gaekwad said so far there has not been any offer but as and
when it does come he would love to be associated with the game. He
however categorically ruled out taking up the post of assistant coach.
He spoke emotionally about his close involvement with the Indian team
over both his tenures, saying that ''they were as close to me like my
family members. I will definitely miss the boys.''
Speaking about his immediate future plans, Gaekwad said he had a
couple of things to attend to back home in Baroda and this revolved
around both his job and his family. ''Also I would like to spend some
time with my sons who are showing an interest in cricket.'' The elder
boy is 20 and the younger 17.
Looking to the future of Indian cricket, Gaekwad expressed confidence
that the team would do well. ''The nucleus of a good side is there,
the team is gelling well and there is the right blend of youth and
experience,'' he said.
Recalling the time when he was approached to take over, Gaekwad
admitted that he was a bit hesitant initially. ''Being removed the
previous year had hurt and then this was going to be only a very short
stint. But the circumstances were extraordinary and then the board
president AC Muthiah made a personal request. So I took it up and I
can honestly say I am happy I did so.''
By the end of the day, Gaekwad was a very happy man. His swan song
assignment did end in a victory after all.