Cricket

As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma prepare for one of the most significant challenges of their careers in the upcoming Test series in Australia, former India head coach Greg Chappell believes the two stalwarts can rediscover their youthful energy and focus to reclaim their lost glory.Wounded by an unprecedented 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand, India will look to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the marquee five-match Test series in Australia beginning on November 22. According to Chappell, the ageing Sharma and Kohli must summon the same drive and focus that once marked their prime years if India hopes to reclaim its form on foreign soil.Reflecting on a conversation with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar in 2005, Chappell shared insights into the hurdles players face as they age. Tendulkar had sought Chappell's perspective and asked, "Greg, why does batting become harder as you get older? Surely it should get easier?""I explained to him that the mental demands of batting intensify with age," Chappell wrote in a column for 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "Batting gets harder because you realize how hard it is to make runs at this level and how difficult it is to maintain the mental focus that is required to be successful," the Australian batting legend wrote.He said "it's not the eyesight or the reflexes that drop off" when a player starts ageing but "it's the intense focus that is required that becomes harder to sustain.""When one is younger, the mind is focused on making runs. As you age, the opposition has put work into finding your weaknesses, and you are more aware of the conditions and the situation of the game."As a young player, you don’t worry about the conditions or the situation of the game, you only see the ball and how to make runs," Chappell wrote, describing Rohit, Kohli, and Australian batting stalwart Steve Smith as the "giants" of current times."If you want to play like you did as a younger player, you have to rekindle the attitude and the thought processes that you had as a younger player. That is the greatest challenge for the ageing player,” Chappell had explained to Tendulkar.Chappell said the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia "will be as much a battle of wits and endurance as it will be of skill, with each player needing to summon the drive and adaptability of their younger selves.""This sentiment captures what Sharma, Kohli, and (Steve) Smith will confront this series. They know that opposition teams have scrutinized their techniques, studied their weaknesses, and developed strategies specifically to exploit even minor chinks."Against New Zealand, Kohli endured his lowest-ever aggregate in a home Test series where he batted at least six times, scoring only 93 runs at an average of 15.50, with one half-century. This poor run has lowered his Test average to 47.83 from a peak of 55.10 in October 2019 -- the first time it has dipped below 48 since November 2016. He has dropped out of top-20 batters in ICC Test rankings for the first time in a decade.Kohli dropped eight spots to 22nd in the rankings while Rohit slipped to 26th. "For Kohli, the task is one of rejuvenation. Known for his unmatched intensity, passion, and high standards, Kohli’s recent travails will have annoyed him," Chappell wrote."The aggressive mindset that propelled him to greatness must now coexist with patience and focus. He enters this series hungry to reiterate his authority as India’s most formidable batsman of his generation."For Rohit, according to Chappell, the challenge lies in balancing his aggressive instincts with the calculated caution that Test cricket demands. "As captain, he must maintain his own form while shouldering the pressure of leadership – a delicate balance he’ll need to master if India is to thrive."This Test series, then, is more than just another chapter in cricket; it is a testament to the challenges that father time presents to even the most skilled players." Each player is more than a celebrated cricketer; they are icons of the determination and skill that defines our game. This series will be a defining chapter in their legacies.""For Sharma, Kohli, and (Steve) Smith, the true battle is not against their opponents but against time itself," Chappell wrote.

Prithvi Shaw, the prodigious Indian opener, has faced a series of setbacks in recent times, including being dropped from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness and conduct issues. However, former Australia captain and India coach Greg Chappell has extended his support to Shaw, urging him to embark on a journey of self-reflection and prioritize processes over results.Chappell, who witnessed Shaw's exceptional talent as India's Under-19 captain in 2018, believes that the 24-year-old is still in his prime and has the potential to overcome these challenges. He emphasized the importance of shifting from a result-oriented mindset to a process-oriented one, focusing on improving technique and consistency rather than chasing immediate success.Shaw's recent struggles include a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign with Delhi Capitals, where he managed only 198 runs in eight games. He has also been plagued by injuries and disciplinary issues, which have hindered his progress. However, Chappell believes that these setbacks can serve as turning points in Shaw's career, helping him to develop resilience and a stronger work ethic.Chappell advised Shaw to surround himself with positive influences, take care of his physical and mental well-being, and visualize the player he aspires to become. He emphasized that the door back to the Indian team remains open, but it requires a commitment to growth and change.Shaw's journey has been marked by both brilliance and adversity. He burst onto the international scene with a century on debut against the West Indies in 2018, but has since struggled to maintain consistency. Chappell's guidance and support could prove invaluable as Shaw navigates the challenges ahead and strives to fulfill his immense potential.

John Wright's Laissez-Faire Approach: The Key to India's Coaching SuccessFormer Indian cricketer and selector Sandeep Patil has attributed the success of John Wright as India's coach to his hands-off approach, which allowed players to flourish. In his autobiography, "Beyond Boundaries," Patil contrasts Wright's style with that of his successors, Greg Chappell and Anil Kumble, who he believes failed to emulate Wright's success due to their more authoritarian approaches.Patil highlights Wright's soft-spoken and polite demeanor, his willingness to stay out of the limelight, and his ability to maintain a distance from the media. He also emphasizes Wright's respect for the players and his belief in their leadership abilities.In contrast, Patil describes Chappell as aggressive and confrontational, which did not sit well with the Indian dressing room culture. Chappell's attempts to implement sweeping changes, including altering batting orders and introducing the Australian style of play, alienated senior players.Patil also points to the presence of Ian Fraser as Chappell's assistant coach as a source of tension. Many players resented Fraser's presence and felt that he undermined their authority.Patil believes that Gary Kirsten, who succeeded Chappell, was successful because of his close relationship with the players. Kirsten, like Wright, was well-respected and soft-spoken, and he had a deep understanding of Indian cricket.Patil concludes that a coach's success in India depends on their ability to understand the culture of the team and the board, and to build strong relationships with the players. Wright's laissez-faire approach allowed him to do this effectively, while Chappell's more authoritarian style proved to be counterproductive.

Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as a prodigious batting talent, has faced a significant setback in his career, being dropped from Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness concerns. However, amidst the adversity, he has received an unexpected source of support from former India coach and Australian legend Greg Chappell.In a heartfelt letter, Chappell expressed his belief in Shaw's potential and urged him to view this setback as a turning point. He reminded Shaw of the challenges faced by legendary cricketers like Don Bradman and himself, emphasizing that setbacks are an integral part of an athlete's journey.Chappell advised Shaw to focus on self-reflection and to prioritize process over results. He encouraged him to develop a strong mindset, stay present in the moment, and cultivate a disciplined lifestyle. He stressed the importance of surrounding himself with positive influences and seeking support when needed.Chappell acknowledged that Shaw's return to the Indian team would require a commitment to growth and change. He urged him to visualize his goals, take care of his physical and mental well-being, and embrace the challenges ahead.Chappell concluded his letter by expressing his unwavering belief in Shaw's abilities and offered his support. He emphasized that Shaw has the potential to reach his full potential and that he is not alone in his journey.

Former India coach and Australian legend Greg Chappell has joined the chorus of cricketing greats sending messages of support to Anshuman Gaekwad, the former India batsman and coach who is battling blood cancer. In a heartfelt video message, Chappell expressed his admiration for Gaekwad's fighting spirit, both on and off the field."Hi Anshuman, it's Greg Chappell here from Australia. Very sorry to hear about your health problems at the moment. But no doubt, all your family are giving you great support, and all your friends will be sending you lots of love as well," Chappell said."But more than that, the cricket community from around the world and particularly those that played against you and those who saw you play will be sending lots of positive energy your way as well. So no doubt, you got lots of fighting spirit. You showed that plenty of times on the cricket field. That fighting spirit is going to coming in handy now. But all of the positive energy that's coming your away from all around the world will no doubt help. I look forward to hearing some good news, so cheers!"Gaekwad, 71, is currently hospitalized in Baroda after undergoing treatment for blood cancer at the King's College Hospital in London. He has received an outpouring of support from the cricketing fraternity, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Farokh Engineer, Dilip Vengsarkar, Roger Binny, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Karsan Ghavri, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, and actor Nana Patekar."The messages dad received from these greats were not just emotional, but assuring that he'll be fine soon. Dad is feeling much better now, and asked me to call and thank each one of these greats for this gesture. His vital organs are stable, and he wants to go home," Gaekwad's son Shatrunjay told TOI.The BCCI has provided Rs 1 crore for Gaekwad's treatment, while the India's 1983 World Cup-winning team has also collected funds for him. "We all made an effort, did whatever we could do, because help begins at home. We've a whatsaap group of the 1983 team, where we spoke about it, and we contributed our pensions. We did it because we are all enamoured by 'Charlie' Anshuman Gaekwad. He was a gutsy player. People like him and Jimmy (Mohinder) Amarnath are role models for many of us. The way he conducted himself on a cricket field, facing the fiercest of fast bowlers, getting hit on the head and the body," said Kirti Azad, a member of that side.Gaekwad played 40 Test matches for India, scoring 1985 runs at an average of 30.07, and 269 runs in 15 ODIs. He is known for his fearless batting and his ability to play spin bowling with ease.