Wright against hiring full-time psychologist

John Wright, the Indian coach, is not in favour of retaining a full-time sports psychologist for the team, stating that he would prefer to "call in experts only when they are needed, on a part-time basis."

Talking to the Hindustan Times at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, Wright said that the issue of a psychologist would be one of many to be discussed with Jagmohan Dalmiya during an upcoming meeting. "During the World Cup, it was pure chance that Sandy Gordon was available and he helped out for two or three days," said Wright. "But I am in favour of a tight management group ... it is too much of a distraction. Players need to play."

Even for a series as potentially gruelling as India's tour to Australia later this year, Wright was categorically against a full-time psychologist. "When we're playing, the boys need to concentrate fully on the game, not on anything else," he said. "As far as the issue of psychologists is concerned, there are some players in the team who will definitely not see one at all."

Wright's firmness seemed to extend to other points as well. He admitted that batting failures overseas were a nagging problem, but said that "attitude is all-important and some players clearly lack that. I don't want to name anyone or go into specifics but certain players clearly seem unable to adjust not just technically, but mentally too, to batting overseas. We don't need players like that."

He was equally dismissive of domestic cricketers who seemed defeatist about fighting their way into a star-packed team. "I have no time or place for players with an attitude like that ... they need a kicking," said Wright. "These players have a responsibility, they're playing for their country too. Anyone wanting to get into the team has to believe that he can take Sachin Tendulkar or Rahul Dravid's place."