Support staff get thumbs up from team |
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Tuesday March 25, 01:04 AM
Chennai, March 24: The role of a mental trainer in cricket has been a much discussed subject. The Indian team had for long dabbled with the idea and had even appointed psychologists as consultants on tour. With Paddy Upton they seem to have found a long-term solution. By the looks of it, the players are also taking well to this concept.
Opener Virender Sehwag notes Upton will have a crucial role to play in the coming months. "The few interactions I’ve had with him have been highly satisfying. It has helped develop fresh ideas but I can’t reveal much on what has been discussed," said Sehwag.
The presence of Rudi Webster in the West Indies in 2006 had helped the team in keeping their focus said Sehwag. He believes Upton’s inputs will also come in handy. "We are sharing some vital information with him. We are sure it will be kept confidential. We have to have some faith but if matters go out more than once then we may think twice before letting out further information."
Sehwag said that the inclusion of Gary Kirsten has made a difference to the side.
"There were instances where time was not utilised properly. Now with a full-time coach I am sure there will be better time management in place," said Sehwag who added the team was happy with Kirsten’s methods.
"Even after eight or nine years of international cricket we tend to forget small things that can affect our game. This is where a coach can come in and help. We are sure with his experience Kirsten will help in finding solutions."
Rubbishing talk of a senior-junior divide in the side, Sehwag said there was nothing that he was aware of and that the team was moving forward as one cohesive unit. The tour of Australia saw Sehwag strike form in the longer version but his returns in one-dayers were not good enough, which also led to his being axed from the playing XI from the finals. "I am not unduly worried. My form in Test cricket has been good and there is no reason for me to worry about my one-day form at the moment," he said.
Sehwag predicted a competitive series stressing that South Africa were a good side. "Our experience in these conditions will come in handy and I am confident the team will utilise the conditions better," he said.
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