Duncan Fletcher's "Away" Coaching - his Achilles Heel

Amidst all the criticism the Indian batsmen and bowlers are receiving, Duncan Fletcher is quitely lurking in a corner, without being in the limelight. But his dismal record as a coach of a touring team, has been quite overlooked.

Fletcher’s coaching abilities have never been doubted. Usually quite, chewing his gum beneath a pair of shades, Flether has usually prefered to be off the radar. Quite a few, rather than many, know that it is he who was the coach of the English team who defeated the visiting Australians 2-1 in the legendary 2005 Ashes series. But at the same time, he faced heavy criticism after the horrid return Ashes, wherein they were trashed 5-0 in the series. Moreover, his preferences in the team playing 11 received bashings from the former players. Eventually, he was sacked after England’s poor performance n the 2007 World Cup.

Another team, another tenure, and another similar dismal away record. Highlighting with embarrassing white-washes in England and Australia, India’s away performance under Fletcher’s tenure has been bad, to say the least. The very fact that just a year ago , India managed to drew with the rampaging South African team at their own den highlights how much coaching has an effect on the players.

Now let me compare the coaching differences of Gary Kirsten and Fletcher. Kirsten was the one who could motivate players. He knew how to bring the best out of people, not just by showing faith in them, but also encouraging them constantly, and being stern yet calm at the same time. One of the present day examples can be said of Darren Lehmann, who brought about some quite noticable changes in the team’s culture compared to that of Mickey Arthur’s tenure.

And then there is Duncan Fletcher. Calm beneath the shades. Too calm, actually. His preference of not criticising or appreciating a player openly is good, but when the team is performing this badly, the coach needs to standup. Technically, he has not been helpful to any of the struggling players. While Rohit Sharma remains to be inconsistent; Raina’s and Shikhar’s inability to properly play short stuff still remains a liability. And not to mention Ishant Sharma’s torrid time. Duncan himself being a medium pacer during his time, has not been helpful to Ishant one bit.

But the more crucial aspect comes in as the mental strength. The team looks hopeless. The team lacks the intent- intent to win, especially overseas.

Let me take an example. India’s bowling was as poor during the 2011 World Cup as it is today. Remember Ashish Nehra’s final over, anyone? But intent was shown by the team, as a whole. The fielding improved, tough chances were taken, and more importantly, the bowlers bowled tighter line, rather than attacking the batsmen in trade for some extra runs. Hence, India managed to win the World Cup, inspite of poor bowling.

But the same situation today, just a little different. No matter what, Indian bowlers are maintaining the same short-of-length stuff, even after being slaughtered by Ross Taylor and co. As I said again, the technical stuff isn’t the concern. But the same sequence, of being slaugtered, might have damaged the confidence of bowlers, and seemingly Duncan has failed to motivate them.

Duncan’s ability to coach has never been questioned. But is he a good coach outside the team’s home conditions? That comes under scurnity. Can the NZ test series prove to be a turn-around? Can India perform well in the Asia Cup and T20, which will be held in familiar conditions? That has to be seen. More importantly, his coaching career will depend on India’s performance in the coming months.