Duncan Fletcher's Big Moment
When comparing the BCCI with regards to the adjective ‘tyrannous’, you would assume the board to be levelled with a far feebler, minuscule, even gutless body. All together somebody a lot less ‘tyrannical’ than the BCCI.
And then you come across Roman Abramovich, owner of the Chelsea Football Club in the English Premier League. A manager at Chelsea would feel as secure as a man with a pin aimed at his behind. One toe, one hair out of line, and you’re looking at the classifieds the next day. ‘Tyrannous’ is the first word that comes to my mind when speaking of Mr. Abramovich, as well as the BCCI. But the latter’s policy regarding the team coach is a lot charitable than the Russian’s.
Duncan Fletcher was never going to match the success of Gary Kirsten. Kirsten brought about innovative but simple strategies within the team, subsequently leading them to their brightest purple patch, which included the recapturing of the World Cup in 2011. Fletcher, we knew deep inside even while we hoped and prayed for better, would not ever match that.
Competence is the least that was expected of him, but rather than solidifying a strong Team India, Fletcher has done nothing to improve the appalling deterioration, which has gone from bad to worse within a span of a year. After being whitewashed away against Australia and England, India were outplayed at home against England in a series that was sure to be the starting line to another glorious Indian run.
The BCCIs persistence in letting him hang on is perplexing and bizarre. After repeated failures and no signs of development, one would assume that Fletcher’s place would be under fire, but for reasons unknown he continuous to bear a presence in the dressing room.
Fletcher isn’t a motivating fellow, rather an awe-inspiring figure in the dressing room, commanding respect and silence in his wake. Kirsten created an atmosphere of liberality and camaraderie, an essential theme to all sporting events, but Fletcher, being of a more rigid and orthodox persona, works with hard-tactics and cold-numbers. Fletcher has achieved great things in a long career, but his methods of working with India are failing and are showing no signs of enhancement.
The Australia series not only presents an opportunity to the young squads the two teams boast, but also for Fletcher to disprove his critics, even though him even getting this far is questionable.
Being coach of the national team entails immense pressure. Being the guide to the eleven who represent the sentiments of a billion definitely ruffles the feathers, exceedingly fiercely I might add. Being the coach of India all leads up to how well you can cope with the dubious amount of attention you receive, and so far, a media-shy Duncan Fletcher has failed.
Even though India have been through a barren patch in the Test match universe, they seem to be a slightly stronger team than the Kangaroos. Their aversion to spin is something they will definitely exploit, but the same failed against England when they came to visit. If Fletcher has learnt from his mistakes, we’ll see a different Indian side coming out tomorrow. If he hasn’t, we’ll hopefully see a different Indian coach coming out next month.