Hence, the Board decided to extend the 64-year-old Fletcher's contract by another term. The decision was taken in a BCCI working committee meeting held in Mumbai on Friday. BCCI President N Srinivasan was present in the meeting. The former Zimbabwe skipper, who tasted immense success as the England national coach in the last decade, will now stay with the Indian team for another 12 months. The BCCI also renewed fielding coach Trevor Penney's contract and offered him a year's extension.
Fletcher's two-year contract with the BCCI, which he signed in April 2011 — after India's World Cup victory — was due to expire by March end.
The buzz going around is that Dhoni, who is known to be very close to Srinivasan (he is captain of Srinivasan's IPL team, Chennai Super Kings and also the vice-president of his company, India Cements) threw his weight behind Fletcher. It was argued in the coach's favour that given Team India's current rebuilding process — youngsters replacing the seniors — it was prudent to have an individual like Fletcher on board.
"The reason why Fletcher was hired after Gary Kirsten's exit — also at the latter's express recommendation — was to help the transition. Fletcher has always enjoyed a massive reputation to work with youngsters on their game. He has a great cricketing brain and there is lot that he can impart," a senior board official told TOI, explaining the reasons behind extending Fletcher's term. "It is still an ongoing process," he added.
The Duncan Files (Since April 27, 2011) | ||||
Tests (Winning %: 36.36) | ||||
Season | Opposition | Venue | Tests | Results |
2011 | West Indies | West Indies | 3 | India 1-0 |
2011 | England | England | 4 | England 4-0 |
2011-12 | West Indies | India | 3 | India 2-0 |
2011-12 | Australia | Australia | 4 | Australia 4-0 |
2012 | New Zealand | India | 2 | India 2-0 |
2012-13 | England | India | 4 | England 2-1 |
2012-13 | Australia | India | 2 | India 2-0 |
Overall | Played: 22 | Win: 8 | Lost: 10 | Draw: 4 |
With Fletcher now on board till March 2014, the BCCI has ample time to figure out if the coach can carry India to the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand or whether a need will arise to bring in another individual for the task. It is also anticipated that the BCCI may hire an assistant coach soon, to work with Fletcher. If that happens, the assistant coach can be in a position to take over from him in the near future if and when the time comes when the Zimbabwean calls it quits.
Fletcher's role as chief coach of the national team came under scrutiny when India had lost badly on tours to England and Australia. However, the clamour to have him sacked got higher only recently when India lost the series to England at home. Under his tenure, India also lost their No. 1 Test ranking and also failed to reach the knockout stage of the ICC World T20.
"But you have to keep in mind that during those losses, the entire team performed poorly. How can you hold a coach responsible? This is not like football. Fletcher was brought in with a larger role and that's his primary responsibility," says the official.
Cricketers Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli had told TOI in separate interviews over the last few months that they've learn a lot from him.
The Duncan Files (Since April 27, 2011) | ||||
ODIs (Winning %: 60.46) | ||||
Season | Opposition | Venue | ODIs | Results |
2011 | West Indies | West Indies | 5 | India 3-2 |
2011 | England | England | 5 | England 3-0 |
2011-12 | England | India | 5 | India 5-0 |
2011-12 | West Indies | India | 5 | India 4-1 |
2012 | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | 5 | India 4-1 |
2012-13 | India | 3 | Pakistan 2-1 | |
2012-13 | England | India | 5 | India 3-2 |
2011-12 CB Series: India did not qualify for final | ||||
2011-12 Asia Cup: India did not qualify for finals | ||||
Overall | Played: 44 | Win: 25 | Lost: 16 | Tied: 2 |
Fletcher has some tough overseas assignments coming up though. India travel to England for the Champions Trophy in June. Next up is South Africa in December and January followed by the tour to New Zealand.
REPORT CARD
The Positives...
Vast experience
Helped England rise in rankings, win Ashes
Has a reputation of being good with youngsters, perceived as batting guru
Non-interfering
The Negatives...
Hasn't delivered like he did with England
India faced 8 successive losses in England, Australia and 1-2 at home to England
Clueless about domestic cricket unlike Wright, Chappell and Kirsten
Media shy and non-communicative
At 64, age is against him.
0 comments:
Post a Comment