Daniel Vettori: 10 reasons why RCB coach and Ex-Kiwi skipper can be the best fit as Indian coach
In an interesting development, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli had earlier reportedly recommended Daniel Vettori‘s name for the vacant post of Team India coach.
At a time when the BCCI is looking at various options for zeroing in on the ideal candidate, Kohli’s endorsement comes across as extremely important. Since the Indians are scheduled to play more than 15 Tests in the upcoming season, the coach and captain have to get into sync straight away.
In this regard, let us take a look at ten reasons why Vettori could be the man to guide a young team into achieving their true potential.
1) Vettori has been working with Kohli in the Royal Challengers team management for quite some time. Midway through the 2012 season, the veteran even dropped himself and made the young right-hander take up the mantle of captaincy. He was appointed Head Coach in 2014 and has since forged a resourceful relationship with the Indian batsman.
2) The New Zealand cricketer is a seasoned campaigner with an extensive experience of representing his country in 113 Tests, 295 ODIs and 34 T20Is. A canny spinner, he was also an effective lower-order batsman which made him one of the most useful players during his era. He is also currently coaching Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.
3) Not the most naturally gifted all-rounder, Vettori was renowned for his even temperament and strong work-ethic which allowed him to perform consistently at the top level for more than a decade. With several youngsters in the Indian squad, the 37-year old can draw upon his vast knowledge and provide a balanced team environment.
4) Having made his international debut at the age of 18, the bespectacled spinner is aware of the changing nature of the game. His playing career traversed across different eras which could allow him to formulate his strategies by combining the traditional facets of cricket with the frenetic pace of the present generation.
5) Vettori was also the captain of a New Zealand team in transition during the late 2000s. With the retirements of Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle and Shane Bond's travails with injury, he had to come to his side's rescue constantly which molded him into a battle-hardened player.
6) His captaincy started off on a sour note when he was involved in shouting at the players from the balcony in England and refused to shake hands with the opposition. However, Vettori began to mellow down gradually and adapted to his role with integrity. Hence, he knows how to deal with the rigors of international cricket on a regular basis.
7) Beginning his career under a young skipper in Fleming, Vettori was able to witness the growth of the New Zealand leader from close quarters. The doughty character brought an inconsistent group of players and converted them into a formidable unit in the early 2000s. All of this could come handy in Kohli’s development as a captain.
8) A left-arm spinner who did not possess extravagant turn, Vettori relied on unerring accuracy and bowling to his field. With the present-day Indian spinners having trouble bowling in pace-friendly pitches outside the sub-continent, his influence could turn the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja into versatile craftsmen.
9) The southpaw had also plied his trade in county cricket for Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire in addition to turning out for Queensland in Australian domestic scene. Therefore, his understanding of the different conditions across the world might help rectify India’s recent travails in Tests outside Asia.
10) Vettori‘s friendly attitude and tactical nous is well-respected in the cricketing fraternity. On his tactical nous, legendary Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi had affirmed, “I liked his attitude, his willingness to learn. He was a good listener – very thoughtful young man and not prone to the brashness we associate with today's youth. He's my kind of cricketer.” With the current Indian players having a massive fan following, the New Zealander should gel with them perfectly due to his easily approachable demeanor.