Cricket

Chandrakant Pandit, the mastermind behind Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) maiden IPL triumph, has revealed the secrets to his coaching success. After guiding Mumbai, Vidarbha, and Madhya Pradesh to Ranji titles, Pandit has now etched his name in IPL history.In an exclusive interview, Pandit emphasized the importance of discipline and respect for the game. "I always believe in discipline. There's a routine that I always follow. Respecting the game is most important. I don't go above the game, and never allow the others to do that," he said.Despite facing criticism from some players for his "dictatorial" style, Pandit remained steadfast in his approach. "I always stick to my style of working. I don't get distracted or react to that because you cannot keep everyone happy," he explained.Pandit acknowledged the role of mentor Gautam Gambhir in KKR's victory. "His presence in the dugout was a great motivation for everyone. It was a great boost for us. He came in with a lot of cricketing experience. He's been a part of the IPL for so many years. We took all the decisions collectively," he said.Pandit praised KKR captain Shreyas Iyer for his leadership qualities. "I would give a lot of credit to Shreyas. He's been a fantastic captain, very calm and cool. He was receptive to our suggestions and handled the team well on and off the field. With KKR, he showed the qualities which make him worthy for India captaincy in the future," he said.Pandit also highlighted the contributions of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, bowling coach Bharat Arun, and spin-bowling coach Carl Crowe. "Nayar's contribution was huge, while Arun and Crowe deserve credit for the bowlers' fine show," he said.Pandit's coaching philosophy revolves around creating a positive and supportive environment for his players. "I always try to create a good atmosphere in the team. I want the players to feel comfortable and confident. I believe in giving them the freedom to express themselves," he said.Pandit's success as a coach is a testament to his unwavering belief in discipline, respect, and teamwork. His ability to motivate and inspire his players has made him one of the most sought-after coaches in Indian cricket.

Following their elimination from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach Andy Flower has ruled out applying for the position of India's head coach. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had invited applications for the role, with the tenure starting from July 1, 2022, and concluding on December 31, 2027.Flower emphasized his commitment to franchise cricket, stating, "I am happy with my involvement in the franchise league at the moment. I am really enjoying it. It is fascinating stuff and I have worked with some amazing organizations and I am happy with that at the moment."Regarding wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik's future, Flower hinted at a potential transition into coaching. "He quite likes the idea of coaching as well -- helping and working with other people which I am not surprised about. He will be a great success when he does that as well," Flower said.In the eliminator match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), RCB posted 172/8, with Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, and Mahipal Lomror contributing significant runs. However, RR bowlers, led by Avesh Khan, restricted RCB's scoring.In the chase, RR got off to a strong start with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tom Kohler Cadmore, but RCB bowlers applied pressure and picked up wickets. Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Rovman Powell then led RR's charge in the latter stages, securing a four-wicket victory with an over to spare.Mohammed Siraj was the standout bowler for RCB, while Ravichandran Ashwin, who also scored 26 runs, was named 'Player of the Match.' RR will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 on May 24, with the winner advancing to the final against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 26.

India Doesn't Need Separate Coaches for Limited Overs and Test Formats, Says Graeme SwannFormer England spinner Graeme Swann believes that a team like India, which doesn't have players competing year-round in T20 leagues worldwide, doesn't require separate coaches for limited overs and Test formats.Swann expressed his views at the launch of the Legends Intercontinental T20 league on Thursday, stating, "For a nation like India, because of the IPL and the fact the players don't play other leagues, people are based in India whole year round. You don't need split (separate) coaches."With the BCCI inviting fresh applications for the head coach position, and Rahul Dravid unlikely to continue after the T20 World Cup, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a front-runner for the role. Reputed overseas coaches like Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Andy Flower have ruled themselves out of contention.While England, South Africa, and Pakistan have adopted split coaching, Swann believes that India doesn't need it. "A good coach is a good coach, he's the right man for all three forms so be it. If the guy is specialist in white ball cricket and he's available then you can use him," he added.Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes that India has an abundance of talented coaches and sees no need for overseas coaches. "There are a lot of coaches from NCA that have joined Indian team, I don't see the need for overseas coaches," Parthiv said.He cited the success of India's U-19 team and the performance of India A team on overseas tours, all coached by Indians, as evidence of the country's coaching talent. Parthiv also mentioned Chandrakant Pandit as a prime example of a successful Indian coach.With National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman regularly stepping in for Dravid, Parthiv emphasized that the coaching staff extends beyond just two individuals, stating, "We have seen when Rahul Bhai is coach, Laxman bhai filling in for him. Though it's not just the two coaches as there are other NCA coaches."

When coach Brendon McCullum flew over from New Zealand to inform Jimmy Anderson, England's most successful Test bowler, that his time was up, it was a testament to both parties. Anderson's unwavering intensity and competitive spirit were evident in his desire to continue, while McCullum's decision to personally deliver the news spoke volumes about his coaching style and the reasons behind England's recent success.In contrast, the Indian administration has sometimes handled such matters with less sensitivity. In 1979, the team's skipper, Venkatraghavan, was informed of his sacking via a pilot's announcement during a flight home from England. This was the first time Venkatraghavan had heard of the decision.Anderson, who will turn 42 in July, is likely to play his 188th and final Test against West Indies at Lord's the same month. Only Sachin Tendulkar (200) has played more Tests, and only Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708) have taken more wickets than Anderson's 700. Remarkably, Anderson claimed 220 of those wickets after the age of 35, at a better average, demonstrating his ability to improve with age.For several years after his debut, Anderson carried two burdens. One, that he was effective only in home conditions where the ball swung, and two, that while he was capable of producing magical deliveries, he seemed more focused on bowling dot balls. However, when England won a series in India after 28 years in 2012-13, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni attributed the victory to Jimmy Anderson.Anderson credited Zaheer Khan for teaching him the art of reverse swing and admitted that his famous wobble ball was somewhat of a lottery due to its unpredictable nature. Few players have spoken with such honesty about their craft.Despite its dignity and humanism, it seemed incongruous that a coach's nudge was necessary before such an obvious decision was made. Perhaps Anderson himself was relieved that the decision had been taken out of his hands. Most sportsmen have an instinct for recognizing when the time comes, but great ones sometimes don't, because they have often come out of slumps in the past and believe they can do so again.Anderson's five wickets in four matches in the Ashes series at an average of 85.4 was a hint he refused to acknowledge. He struggled in India (except for a magical spell in Visakhapatnam), but kept repeating variations of "I am as fit as I have been; I am at my best now," statements he had made in the past.Yet, even if he got his timing slightly wrong, it didn't detract from his stature as one of the greats of the game. It would be a toss-up between him and Glenn McGrath for the title of the finest bowler of their type in modern times.McGrath hit his groove early and finished with nearly the same average bowling at home or away. Yet it was Anderson who might win the argument as a player who asked more questions more consistently of batters who were conscious of the fact that the near-unplayable ball was just around the corner — and he could bend it as few could.Anderson played for longer and reinvented himself periodically, cutting pace for accuracy and bowling with a grace and seeming lack of effort which is one of the game's great sights. He was experimenting with a new run-up at 41. "His ability to keep wanting to improve has been extraordinary," wrote his former captain and friend Alastair Cook.Anderson has played 70% of all the Tests England have since his debut. That, for a fast bowler, is an incredible record, testimony to his skill, fitness, hunger, success, consistency, and ability to improve.Should players be allowed the time and place for the final goodbye? It can be a tribute to long years of service (Anderson made his debut in 2003) as well as a profitable marketing ploy. Anderson's time had come. He was allowed to choose the place. It is a happy compromise.

Gary Kirsten, the former South African cricketer and coach, will commence his two-year tenure as head coach of the Pakistan men's national cricket team on May 19 in Leeds. This appointment marks a significant milestone for Pakistan cricket, as Kirsten brings a wealth of experience and success to the role.Kirsten's coaching credentials are impeccable. He guided India to victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup, a historic achievement that cemented his status as one of the most respected coaches in the game. He also coached South Africa for two years, leading them to several notable victories.In his new role, Kirsten will be tasked with preparing Pakistan for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The team's first match in the tournament will be against the USA in Dallas on June 6. Kirsten believes that Pakistan has the potential to make a strong impact at the World Cup, but it will require collective effort and unwavering support."These are indeed thrilling times for Pakistan cricket," Kirsten said. "The upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our skills and uphold Pakistan's legacy as a formidable force in cricket."To support Kirsten in his mission, the PCB has also appointed Simon Helmot as fielding coach and David Reid as mental performance coach. Helmot will join the team on May 31, while Reid will arrive on May 20 and remain until the end of the World Cup.The PCB's decision to prioritize the mental well-being of its players is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in sports. Reid, a seasoned expert with nearly two decades of experience, will provide comprehensive care to the players, helping them thrive both on and off the field."Ensuring the mental health and well-being of our elite cricketers is not just a priority, but a fundamental commitment," said Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman. "We are confident that our players will receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive both on and off the field."Kirsten's appointment, along with the addition of Helmot and Reid, signals a new era for Pakistan cricket. The team will be looking to build on its recent successes and make a strong statement at the T20 World Cup. With Kirsten at the helm, Pakistan has the potential to achieve great things.

Justin Langer, the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has shared his insights on the evolving dynamics of cricket, the multifaceted role of modern coaches, and the challenges faced by players in the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL).Langer, a former Australian cricketer, has witnessed firsthand the transformation of the game from a simpler era to the complex and demanding landscape of today. He emphasizes the importance of man management for coaches, who must navigate the diverse personalities and needs of players to create a cohesive team.The IPL, with its massive financial rewards and intense competition, has brought about a shift in the mindset of players. While performance remains paramount, the influx of money has also led to a rise in expectations and pressure. Langer believes that players must focus on their performance rather than the financial rewards to achieve true stardom.Langer also highlights the importance of mental health in the high-pressure environment of professional cricket. He commends players like Glenn Maxwell for speaking out about their struggles, and emphasizes the need for coaches to be observant and supportive of their players' mental well-being.The upcoming T20 World Cup will be a test of the teams' ability to adapt to different conditions. Langer believes that teams with strong bowling attacks will have an advantage, and he identifies India, Australia, and New Zealand as potential favorites.

Melbourne Renegades are set to part ways with BBL coach David Saker after a disappointing season that saw them finish second last. Saker, who was contracted until the end of the 2024-25 season, will leave the club with a year remaining on his deal.The Renegades have been the worst-performing team in the BBL since winning the inaugural title in 2018-19 under Andrew McDonald. Since then, they have had three different coaches in Michael Klinger, Saker, and now an impending new appointment.Saker's tenure began with a last-place finish in 2021-22, followed by a third-place finish in 2022-23. However, the 2023-24 season proved to be a step backward, with the Renegades winning just two of their 14 games.The Renegades have already made some changes to their squad for the upcoming season, signing Brisbane Heat opener Josh Brown. They are also seeking a new high-performance manager to oversee the cricket program.The Renegades' struggles have been attributed to a number of factors, including a high turnover of players and a lack of consistency. The club has also been criticized for its lack of connection to the Victoria men's program.The Renegades will be hoping that a new coach and a new high-performance manager can help them turn things around and challenge for the BBL title in the future.

Alec Stewart, the legendary cricketer and former England Test captain, has announced his decision to step down as Surrey's director of cricket at the end of 2024. Stewart, 60, has been at the helm of Surrey for 11 years, overseeing a period of unprecedented success for the club.During his tenure, Surrey has won three County Championships (2018, 2022, 2023), establishing themselves as one of the dominant forces in English domestic cricket. Stewart's leadership has also fostered a strong dressing-room culture and a commitment to developing young talent, with nine Surrey players going on to represent England.However, Stewart's decision to step down is driven by a desire to prioritize his family. His wife, Lynn, has been battling cancer since 2013, and Stewart wants to dedicate more time to her and their family."This has been the toughest decision of my working career," Stewart said. "But after careful consideration, I will be stepping down from my role as Director of Cricket at the end of this calendar year."Stewart's departure will leave a significant void at Surrey, but he has expressed his commitment to supporting the club in any way he can. He will continue to be available for advice and guidance, and he remains passionate about the club's future."I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved over the last 11 years," Stewart said. "Supporting young talent to develop into top-quality players is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of the job."Surrey's chairman, Oli Slipper, praised Stewart's leadership and legacy. "Alec has been an outstanding leader over the last 11 years," Slipper said. "He has built a club in his own image that is hard-working, dedicated, and humble."Surrey's CEO, Steve Elworthy, echoed Slipper's sentiments. "Alec has been one of the greatest servants this club has ever seen," Elworthy said. "His professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to the club have driven success in his playing days and even more so as Director of Cricket."The search for Stewart's successor is expected to be exhaustive, given Surrey's status as one of the leading clubs in English cricket. The club's aims for 2024 include strengthening ties with Oval Invincibles in the Hundred and growing the women's side of the game.