Should India sack Duncan Fletcher..???

Ever since the world cup triumph in 2011 team India has been in a steady downfall. It has lost almost every ODI series abroad except the champions trophy 2013 in England. And the statistics for test matches are even worse: they were clean swept in Australia, England and had not won a single test match in foreign land. Among all the criticisms that Indian team has faced the questions on Duncan Fletcher still being the coach, remains unanswered.

Gary Kirsten had bred the habit of winning away from home and made us believe that anything is possible. Later India went on to become the No. 1 test team with perfect mix of youth and experience. However it seems that under Duncan all the good work has been undone. It is clearly visible that the confidence of the team is low and the very perception that Indians are underdogs in foreign land is back in the minds of the opponents.

Soon after the retirement of Kirsten India looked for someone who can atleast continue on with the good work done by him. The BCCI thought they found their man in Duncan fletcher, the man who turned the fortunes of England cricket team. Duncan Fletcher is known for his cool nature, technical knowledge and strategic abilities. He is someone who knows the basics well. He can spot very small and little things at the start which is very crucial for youngsters. But sadly he has not been able to convert his abilities into results.

Kristen is a tough guy who talks quietly to people and tries to motivate them. He is always very quick to put his arm around someone’s shoulder to discuss any problems. On the other hand Fletcher is distant and peripheral. He is less involved during practice sessions and seems unsure of communicating effectively with different players to draw the best out of them.
To be successful at the highest level it requires much more than technical knowledge and strategic abilities. It is about motivation, leadership, team building and the ability to get best out of his players.

Even a person with little cricketing knowledge can figure out that there is something wrong with Indian cricket team and the coach. It can be anything like the procedures followed by Duncan, psychological problems, or is it just a matter of time India will bounce back.

We can’t totally blame Duncan for all the failures of the team. Any team is as good as its players. If the players perform well the team does as well. Many Indian players were unable to find their rhythm in foreign pitches. Moreover the team is also in the stage of transition with many young players trying to cement their places.

You cannot easily write off a man like Duncan who is very experienced and talented and that too just because of a few dismal performances. At least he could be given a chance for few more seasons. With many foreign tours and T20 world cup lined up in the coming season, let’s see how well Team India and Duncan resolve the problems. Hope time will answer all the critics…..