'Slotting players is a foolish concept'
Robin Singh was so patently the cricketer always giving 110 percent on the field for India that it comes as no surprise that he gives just as much as a coach
Samanth Subramanian
25-Nov-2003
Robin Singh always gave his all on the field for India, so it comes as no surprise that he gives just as much as a coach. After leading the Indian Under-19 side to a tournament win in Pakistan and an honourable draw against Sri Lanka A at Rajkot, Singh found time to speak to Wisden Cricinfo in Chennai:
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Robin Singh: 'The important thing is to like what you're doing' © Getty Images |
How was the experience of coaching the Under-19 team to a win in Pakistan?
It was very satisfying, considering that we did not have much time to prepare. But Indian junior cricket has always been good. It is only after they pass 19 and go into Ranji Trophy and state cricket that they then start to fade away. That has to be looked into. The youngsters in the under-19 team were good, and on such tours, the learning capacity is enormous, so it is important that they use them as a stepping stone. Quite a few players were impressive, especially Irfan Pathan Jr.
It was very satisfying, considering that we did not have much time to prepare. But Indian junior cricket has always been good. It is only after they pass 19 and go into Ranji Trophy and state cricket that they then start to fade away. That has to be looked into. The youngsters in the under-19 team were good, and on such tours, the learning capacity is enormous, so it is important that they use them as a stepping stone. Quite a few players were impressive, especially Irfan Pathan Jr.
Can you describe Irfan's spell against Bangladesh? [Irfan took nine wickets, including a hat-trick.]
He bowled really well, and although Bangladesh are not the greatest side in the world, taking nine wickets in a limited-overs match is no mean feat. Irfan moves the ball quite a bit, which is rare now in world cricket. If you can move the ball consistently, and at a reasonable pace, it is a huge advantage, and Irfan has that weapon.
He bowled really well, and although Bangladesh are not the greatest side in the world, taking nine wickets in a limited-overs match is no mean feat. Irfan moves the ball quite a bit, which is rare now in world cricket. If you can move the ball consistently, and at a reasonable pace, it is a huge advantage, and Irfan has that weapon.
Are you gradually slipping into something that resembles a full-time coaching role?
Well, it is something I'd like to look at as an option. The important thing is to like what you're doing. Naturally, then, if I'm involved in it, I'd like to go up, but it will have to be step by step. I cannot do it overnight. You have to be able to understand the players and communicate exactly what you want. That is crucial.
Well, it is something I'd like to look at as an option. The important thing is to like what you're doing. Naturally, then, if I'm involved in it, I'd like to go up, but it will have to be step by step. I cannot do it overnight. You have to be able to understand the players and communicate exactly what you want. That is crucial.
What about your role as a talent scout at the under-19 level? What qualities do you look for?
Primarily, the players need to have temperament. That is very important. They also have to be disciplined, although that must be done without taking away their natural abilities.
Primarily, the players need to have temperament. That is very important. They also have to be disciplined, although that must be done without taking away their natural abilities.
How much do you think you achieved yourself, as a player?
I never set any goals as a player. The idea was always to play as long as possible for India and do as well as possible for India. That's it. My main aim was to play well. Especially in one-day cricket, I tried to enjoy myself. If the opportunity was there to go out and win the game, I would go out and try to win it.
I never set any goals as a player. The idea was always to play as long as possible for India and do as well as possible for India. That's it. My main aim was to play well. Especially in one-day cricket, I tried to enjoy myself. If the opportunity was there to go out and win the game, I would go out and try to win it.
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'I never set any goals as a player' © Getty Images |
How did you set standards for yourself in the field?
The important thing to remember while fielding is that you have to be a little fearless, so that you can dive without thinking twice about it. By the time you have thought about it, the ball has gone past you. It is like playing fast bowling - if you are apprehensive, you just cannot do it. Practice is essential. Fielding is not a simple art to learn. You have to understand players, the field positions, the wicket, the outfield. It would help if players thought more about the batsman at the crease, and they also have to learn to anticipate what the bowler will bowl next.
The important thing to remember while fielding is that you have to be a little fearless, so that you can dive without thinking twice about it. By the time you have thought about it, the ball has gone past you. It is like playing fast bowling - if you are apprehensive, you just cannot do it. Practice is essential. Fielding is not a simple art to learn. You have to understand players, the field positions, the wicket, the outfield. It would help if players thought more about the batsman at the crease, and they also have to learn to anticipate what the bowler will bowl next.
How much did the practice of slotting cricketers as Test and one-day players hinder you?
I think slotting players is a foolish concept. We all learned cricket playing fourand five-day games, so if a player does well in that, obviously he has the temperament to succeed in the longer form of the game as well. I feel sorry for people like Mohammad Kaif, who have been tagged as one-day cricketers without playing too many Tests. People who are able to score hundreds and build innings should be ale to play Test cricket. What is also happening, though, is that so much one-day cricket is being played that players are now consciously trying to target the one-day side, for after all, it is much tougher to break into the Test side. Just as it is easier to break into the Test side overseas, where India invariably do not do well, and hence the team is forced to make changes.
I think slotting players is a foolish concept. We all learned cricket playing fourand five-day games, so if a player does well in that, obviously he has the temperament to succeed in the longer form of the game as well. I feel sorry for people like Mohammad Kaif, who have been tagged as one-day cricketers without playing too many Tests. People who are able to score hundreds and build innings should be ale to play Test cricket. What is also happening, though, is that so much one-day cricket is being played that players are now consciously trying to target the one-day side, for after all, it is much tougher to break into the Test side. Just as it is easier to break into the Test side overseas, where India invariably do not do well, and hence the team is forced to make changes.
So what would you suggest India do overseas, as regards side composition?
I would go with the horses for courses approach. I believe that in-form players should play, and yesteryear's achievements should count for nothing. This is not being done too much, and it is an exercise that should seriously be looked at.
I would go with the horses for courses approach. I believe that in-form players should play, and yesteryear's achievements should count for nothing. This is not being done too much, and it is an exercise that should seriously be looked at.
What would you advise, as regards technique, for India's tour of Australia?
The main thing is to play your natural game. You cannot suddenly go to Australia and change your game. You also have to be positive. Australia are the type of team who will walk all over you if you lack positivity. You have to be confident of your ability to challenge them. Australia aim to finish the game in four days, so they score around 300 runs per day. In fact, in their last 30-odd Tests, they have hit an average of around 300 runs per day. It is difficult, then, for the game not to be completed. So the batsmen have to occupy the crease, but they should also play their shots. If you occupy the crease for 90 overs, but score only 200-250 during the day, you're in big trouble.
The main thing is to play your natural game. You cannot suddenly go to Australia and change your game. You also have to be positive. Australia are the type of team who will walk all over you if you lack positivity. You have to be confident of your ability to challenge them. Australia aim to finish the game in four days, so they score around 300 runs per day. In fact, in their last 30-odd Tests, they have hit an average of around 300 runs per day. It is difficult, then, for the game not to be completed. So the batsmen have to occupy the crease, but they should also play their shots. If you occupy the crease for 90 overs, but score only 200-250 during the day, you're in big trouble.