Wright has his priorities right

The selection of a foreign coach always draws great attention. This is particularly so in India since the national cricket team has not had a foreign coach so far. Indeed, the drama surrounding the appointment of former New Zealand captain John Wright as the coach of the Indian team has no parallel thanks to celebrated cricketers like Greg Chappell, Geoff Marsh, Dean Jones and Andy Roberts being in the running for the job till the New Zealander got the nod.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has mainly favoured a foreign coach since it is felt in some circles that he may not be biased towards the factions that normally exist in the Indian set up. From this viewpoint, it is a healthy sign since the players will be encouraged to perform better and not expect any soft corners from the coach whatsoever.

Wright has been a professional coach of Kent for almost four years. But being the coach of a national team would be a different ball game, particularly in a country like India. If he should prove to be the right man, he should set his priorities right. Instilling 'Discipline' and 'Team effort' should be up there as his paramount priorities. Because, at present the Indians look strong as individuals but weak as a team.

The coach's second priority should be to raise the standard of the Indian fielding. The Indian team overflows with natural talent. Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, Yuvraj, Kumble, Srinath and Zaheer are batsmen and bowlers of repute. Where the Indian team lags is in the fielding department where fitness, running between the wickets, direct hits and sliding stops could raise the game to a different level. A half chance or a direct hit could well decide the fortunes of the team. This is where players like Jayasuriya, Klusener and Bevan who have put in a lot of hard work and dedication have given their team the much needed edge.

One must be happy for the efforts taken by Wright with regard to the use of latest technology where the computer is involved for making crucial strategies. This is one aspect which no former Indian coach had covered. The moment Wright landed in India, he went straight to Bangalore to purchase the right software. Whereupon he insisted that instilling the pride of playing for the country will be the topmost priority. This indicates what one can expect from the 'right man'. It is hoped that BCCI will extend full support to him.