What about attitude problems? Is there a problem in motivating players?
A team needs a balance between batsmen and bowlers, fast bowlers and spinners, left-handers and right-handers, batsmen who can soak up the pressure, play a long innings and those who counter-attack. But there are some things which are non-negotiable. These range over a number of issues, usually lumped under a common tag 'attitude problems'. And these relate to cricketers who will not correct or do not want to work on their game. When the coach speaks to such players, they have the option of responding to suggestions made. The response allows in an assessment of what the player is likely to do in the future. If a coach has a choice between a talented player who doesn't want to work on his cricket and a player who is ready to improve with the team interest in mind, he will choose the latter. If players are unwilling to take direction and there are others available prepared to focus on the team interests, we don't have the time. There is too much to be done on those wanting to improve than those who don't understand team interests.
In India, we may have a history of players with so-called attitude problems....
It's not just India. Most nations have had to deal with such issues from time to time and players have been given guidelines. Each coach has his own methods. I am clear about my own and I know that certain things work and others don't, especially in the team environment. It's a group that the coach works on, not a group of individuals. It has been shown from time to time that only a strong group can win. We can't accommodate someone who is even slightly different. When I met the players at the camp in Bangalore (at the start of the season), I made it clear they will choose themselves in or out with their attitude and their performance. Over the years, I have been in a lot of teams as player, captain, coach and selector and I know what works and what doesn't. So much time I spend in preparing the group to win that it gets hard to spend time on those with 'attitude problems'.
Is there a conflict between player routines down the years and the new methods you have introduced? Have Indian players adapted to your methods?
I don't change things like stance or grip. What I am focusing on is to help the players change their thought process, their planning and preparation. I'm trying to get them to think differently, to do different things. I believe the players have adapted beautifully, even enjoying the process. It's not a matter of different cultures but a matter of how you can work to be the best cricketer you can be. We have done enormous work and improved in many areas. These processes can give you the best chance to be competitive. The areas of work focus on dealing with different situations and understanding what works and what doesn't in Tests or in one-dayers. They focus on which areas we need to bowl and on batting as well. We have also done a lot of work on fielding and fitness.
