Viv Richards offers batting consultant role for India

[su-47]

After India's early exit from the ICC World Twenty20, the former West Indies legend Vivian Richards has offered his services as a batting consultant to help the the team deal with their weakness against the short ball. Richards, one of the most destructive hitters in the game, said he would like to pass on tips to teams like India on how to deal with aggressive fast bowling.

For the second time in succession, India bowed out of a World Twenty20 without registering a win in a single Super Eights game, making it six such losses in a row since England last year. India won both their group games but lost to Australia, West Indies and Sri Lanka in the second stage, where teams exploited their shortcomings against the rising deliveries.

"I could be a good consultant where batsmanship is concerned and especially where you have such aggressive fast bowling. I can be a little help at some point to teams," Richards told Times Now, the Indian news channel. "I'm available, maybe they (India) will call me sometime to know how to handle such aggression."

Richards pointed to the match against Australia at the Kensington Oval, where India struggled to cope with the pace and aggression of the seam trio of Shaun Tait, Dirk Nannes and Mitchell Johnson. India wilted to 50 for 7 by the 11th over and looked in no position to mount the tall target of 185.

"The Australians did put the wind up India that particular day. India has to get to the grips with that," Richards said. "What India can learn from the past is to get some practice against the real aggressive stuff."

Richards' suggestions are similar to that of former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, who recommended that the Indian batsmen head to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and learn the basics of facing fast bowling on bouncier pitches. Like Gavaskar, Richards did not blame the IPL for under-preparing India for the World Twenty20, where the quality of cricket was higher.

"India came into the tournament with the most T20 matches, taking in the IPL factor. I don't think it's an excuse in any way. I was in South Africa in 2007 where they won the first T20 tournament and they played magnificently," Richards said. "Sometimes the ball is in your court sometimes it's not. What I think India's got to do at this stage is to see the way the Australians bowled at them and hopefully try and come to grips with the bounce and make the necessary adjustments."

http://www.cricinfo.com/world-twenty20-2010/content/current/story/459827.html

I think India should take up the offer. While Kirsten is an excellent coach, he alone can't handle everything for the team. Richards used to make fast bowlers cry. Indian batting can really use his help. He will really put everyone through their paces.

And I think we should also try get a good bowling coach. Short balls weren't our only weakness. Our bowling was pretty pathetic this time round. every good team we faced scored more than 160 against us. We could never tighten the screws on the opposition batting.

 

[fatman17]

the problem with india is not its batting, its the mental and physical toughness required for such high-profile events - IPL is a 'tamasha' where the money is 'guaranteed' to the players, whether they play good or bad.

india missed sehwag badly in this t20 event - he sets the tone for others to follow - y/singh needs to come out of his lingering 'sulk' after he was removed from captaincy in the IPL.

and what abt india's bowling? - is it up to par?

 

[Kinshuk]

Afghan team has better bowlers then India. Yuvraj is filled with attitude on or off the field, if he shows some of it in his batting, it would be really appreciated.

Bowling? hahahahahahaha!! that's all..

 

[Peregrine]

Hi
having consultants for fielding , bowling, batting & image is not going to change anything unless they start focusing on cricket themselves, they are more occupied in media than the game

 

[SpArK]

Indian team needs a shock treatment.. kirstein reported 8 of the guys are fat now and 3 are good for nothing.

Physical fitness is utmost for a sports person.
With the lack of it, their presence should be limited on dance parties and late night parties.

 

[su-47]

well the T-20 WC came as a real eye-opener for us. It showed how useless our players have become.

The IPL will be there and the players have to adjust to it. Dirk Nannes, David Warner, Shane Watson, Shaun Tait, Michael Lumb, Angelo Mathews, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga and some other international players all played in the IPL but also performed in the T20 world cup. So i don't think IPL alone is to blame. It was the Indian players lack of preparation and lack of fitness. While the IPL definitely contributed to this, the ultimate blame lies with the players themselves.

I think Richards would be a good consultant because aide from being a terrific limited overs cricketer, he was also very athletic and fit, and can probably ease some burden off Kirsten.

 

[jha]

thing is that everybody starts relaxing when they feel that their place is safe in team...just look at dhoni..does he look like the same dhoni who had blasted pakistan in its own backyard with towering sixes..