As much as fans berate on Chappell's idea of experimentation 2 years prior to the WC. Im still in favour of it.
In my opinion our players cannot adapt to the different conditions and demands of each game. Each player has his personality and likes to do "his thing" while in the middle and therefore the team does not collectively address the problem posed by the opposition. Example: Dhoni going for this shots when Dravid was well settled, Sehwag trying to be too cute. Ganguly and Sehwag opting to hit boundaries and ignoring the singles. The list can go on.
The idea of the experimentation was to provide a player with a simulated situation of how it feels to bat at a position that is generally not posed to them. eg. Dhoni/Pathan coming in the 1st 15 overs of a game. This could happen when a team loses its top 4-5 wickets early and it is left to such players to resurrect the innings. If analysed closely though Australia does not change their batting order they show the awareness to adapt their batting styles to suit the game and the situation.
Sadly that plan was aborted and we fell back to our comfort zone and things went alright against WI and SL wram-up series before the WC. Suddenly when the pressure built up a wee-bit and our players crumbled under it. Age, experience , talent etc. were levelled flat and we looked like a sunday-league side.
It is each player's responsibility to understand the situation and act accordingly and is too much to ask of the captain and coach to speak to every individual and spoon-feed them on how to play.
After watching Aus/SA game on saturday, they clearly seem to be in a different league to India. I wouldnt say they have more or less talented players than India but their players show a far greater understanding of the game and adapt very quickly.
RE:Tactics and strategy
by manuj bahl on Mar 26, 2007 02:01 PM Permalink
Its so nice to see someone with so much optimism for Mr. Chappel. I confess iam not a Greg Chappel admirer because i do not believe in his Coaching Capabilities. he was a great batsmen at his era but alas not a coach material.He screwed up the basic structure of game by not having specialists on the name of flexibility which created havoc with Indian Team. None of the players were knowing about the role they have to play in the scheme of things. Everyone looks so confused and the so called "Guru Greg" is responsible for this whole mess. Just because he is foreigner do not save him from the responsibility towards the public of India. The biggest reason of Indian debacle was the Groupism in team as it was clear who are the two leader of this group. Dravid and Saurav never ever able to bury the past and thats the reason this Indian Team was so full of Individualism. Everyone knows who created this groupism in team. Guru Greg have shown very clearly that Foreigners can be more biased then Indians in selecting team or running the show. God save Indian Team from the Clutches of "Guru Greg". As far as his acumen is concerned we know the example of that in Kolkatta Finger Episode. The biggest favour which can be done to Indian Masses is to sack this Arrogant, Stupid and Good for nothing Coach.
RE:Tactics and strategy
by BlurBlur on Mar 26, 2007 03:51 PM Permalink
As much as I liked Greg's idea, I hold him and Dravid fully responsible for the mess and must tender their resignations. It is not just enough that you have a good idea, you must be able to execute the idea.
What I wished to point out was the deeper problem that must be addressed by any coach that takes the team forward. It is about making all the players play as a team and shedding their individual personalities. It is an unenviable task which I dont think anyone will like to shoulder.
