India coach Duncan Fletcher faces dilemma, says Kepler Wessels

Aug 26, 2011 |

Reuters

JOHANNESBURG

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India cricket team coach Duncan Fletcher faces a dilemma after player power and a lack of discipline helped account for India's 4-0 series loss to England, according to former South Africa captain Kepler Wessels.

Wessels, a well travelled television commentator, said on Thursday that former coach Gary Kirsten allowed the senior players to run the team.

"The general consensus is that Fletcher was appointed as long as he continued with the same coaching style as Gary Kirsten. The senior players wanted that, they wanted Gary to stay on, but when that didn't happen, they wanted a like-for-like replacement," he said.

"Gary allowed the senior players and superstars to run the show and do their own thing. But then the team arrived in England totally unprepared, there was no dedicated approach and no hunger there. India need a much firmer hand, superstars or not," Wessels told Reuters on Thursday.

Wessels said Fletcher was now "between a rock and a hard place".

"If he agreed to go with the Kirsten approach, he can't change now. The situation is crying out for more control and a firm hand, but if he does flex his muscles, the players won't like it and it is unclear whether the board will sanction a different approach," he said.

The former opening batsman, who was renowned for his gritty, disciplined approach during his 16 tests for South Africa and 24 for Australia, said India could not compete with an England team run by team director Andy Flower.

"Flower takes a hard line, he's meticulous on fitness, there are no short cuts and he sets very high standards. The players and management can either buy into it or not be part of the team. He runs a very tight ship and the players have bought into it," he said.

"The England players are technically very good at the moment in all three disciplines of the game. Due to their superior fitness and technical expertise, they have become used to winning, which has made them mentally strong and ruthless in their pursuit of excellence."

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