'Just want to help the players'
India's newly appointed coach Duncan Fletcher said Friday that he would adopt the same coaching philosophy that he had advised his predecessor Gary Kirsten when the South African was deciding on the offer to coach the Indian team.
India's newly appointed coach Duncan Fletcher said Friday that he would adopt the same coaching philosophy that he had advised his predecessor Gary Kirsten when the South African was deciding on the offer to coach the Indian team.
"My philosophy is quite simple, to helping the players. I try my best and add some value to their performances. It is not dictatorial in some degree and I think Gary Kristen followed my philosophy as he came and spoke to me before taking the Indian job.
"I gave him a lot of advice as to how to handle situations and I think he took those on board. Gary sort of pushing me for the job and speaking to BCCI about my credentials, he realised that I have the right philosophy to coach India and I think hopefully he is right," said Kirsten.
Fletcher opined that India is blessed with a lot of young cricketing talent, but age did not really matter so long as a player is good enough to be playing for his country.
"When I came here, I saw some talents; the young Indian side playing against New Zealand when the senior players were given a break before they toured Australia. It was exciting but at the same time, I am a great believer that a player, no matter what age he is, if good enough to play, he should be playing.
"It is fortunate that India has got some outstanding senior players in their ranks. I will discuss the matter with everyone. I am not on the selection panel, but I am just looking around to work with some great players and some great young players," he said.
On working with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the coach said he looked forward to it as he held him in high esteem.
"I think it is quite important that before even I was offered this job, I had a high regard for MS Dhoni. I read some articles which showed that Dhoni is a captain of high standing not only in his skill but also on the field handling of the players.
"It is exciting to work with Dhoni, having worked with other very good captains. I am really looking forward to working with Dhoni," Fletcher said.