Duncan Fletcher's contract extended by one year as India's coach

India’s coach Duncan Fletcher has been given a one-year contract extension by BCCI

To the surprise of many, Indian cricket team’s coach Duncan Fletcher has got a one-year extension to his contract which ran until March, 2013.

In spite of being in firing line for Team India’s away performances from all the quarters, the 64-year-old has been given another go at the most coveted job in world cricket.

There was a huge question mark over his future as India’s coach after the team lost the home Test series against England recently, followed by a loss to arch rivals Pakistan in the ODI series.

Fletcher, who played for Zimbabwe, was appointed on a two-year contract as India’s coach in April 2011 on the recommendation of previous coach Gary Kirsten, who enjoyed a highly successful stint.

Fletcher’s greatest achievement as a coach till date remains leading England to 2005 Ashes victory. He was largely credited for upsetting one of the greatest team, led by Ricky Ponting, in the history of Test cricket.

MS Dhoni has backed Duncan Fletcher in the past. On the eve of the 3rd ODI against Pakistan, he had then said at the pre-match press conference: “It’s time that players take the responsibility. Coaches are there to guide us. If the player has problem in technique, coach can suggest. Coach cannot go to ground. It will be wrong to blame the coach. The utmost responsibility lies with the players at the end of the day.”

Asked if India needs a foreign coach, Dhoni had jokingly remarked, “I don’t know. Desi aur videshi. Desi aur videshi to bas murge hote hain (Indian or foreign is meant for chickens only).”