Duncan Fletcher

Duncan Fletcher – the former Zimbabwe captain and England coach has been appointed as the new coach of the Indian team. He is set to be sworn in after the India tour of West Indies. He is the new Indian, who is now given the license to handle the “greatest Indian team ever” after the teams successful world cup triumph. The Indian team is also at the top of the tree in the test rankings at the present juncture.

Fletcher has ended all the speculations that were flooding in for the past 2 weeks about the coach of India. He was tipped ahead of Stephen Fleming (who is currently the coach of Chennai Super Kings) and Andy Flower (currently the coach of England). The BCCI Working Committee has decided to give Fletcher a contract for 2 years with the Indian team. The bowling coach Eric Simmons is also given an extended contract.

The coaching prowess of Fletcher was shown to the world when he gave the resurgence to the English Cricket by coaching the team to regain the Ashes after 20 years. He had a crucial role in devising appropriate strategy to make the Aussies fall. Under his coaching stint, players like Flintoff and Pietersen were transformed into match winners and a vital cog in the English camp. He transformed a team which was at the rock bottom to regain the Ashes which has given him the nod to become the coach of Indian team. He was the in charge of the team until the world cup 2007 and stepped down due to the early return of the team.

Motivational skills and the inherent ability of Fletcher to inspire young talent are tipped to be his USP. However, his ability to handle the Indian media will be the key for the success at this level. He will be ably accompanied by Eric Simmons who will give him the entrance into known zone. The onus will be on Fletcher on how he manages to handle the test team when the “Terrific Trio” of Sachin, Dravid and Laxman retire which is expected anytime in coming years.

Let us all hope that Fletcher adds on to the list of coveted trophies won by India during Kirsten’s tenure and win the series against England and Australia and regain the world T20 championship.

Welcome Mr. Fletcher, Let the coaching begin!

Tags: BCCI Working Committee, Coach, Cricket, Duncan Fletcher, Indian Team, Terrific Trio, USP