:-) There is no such format known to me where a team will loose and yet progress higher in the tournament. Irrespective of format, One has to win matches. If the team looses against Bangladesh, whose test status is often debated upon, then it is wrong to blame the format. Ya, Ofcourse untill one decides to award points to the loosing team. Ha ha haha...
Secondly, the matter of new/old/Foreign/Indian coach... My question is why a coach? Are you telling me that these players are still learning, when many of them are about to retire. I can understand coaches for under-16 team, under-18/19 teams... They still have things to learn. But sorry, I cann't assume the fact that Sachin, Sourav, Rahul are still learning. And for that matter any one in the Indian National Squad should be expected to know well about there field specialization(Batting/Bowling/Keeping). And if any of them is having a particular problem with say footwork, action, special weakness(Playing against spin/pace, incorrect action from some special delivery) then he can seek help of peers/seniors or can even be sent to a relevant academy/specialist in the country or outside for a month or two. That should charge the team lot less and we can have a good psychiatrist, manager with the money. What say? We know that in soccer teams there are managers in the team that take care of the adminstrative works, and often brings in a new thought process very distinct from players. Just like, say, Sachin being not a regular bowler brings in a fresh variety and element of surprise in his deleveries. Anyways, just my opinion... :-)
