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India

MANISH KUMAR

NEW DELHI: Ric Charlesworth's biggest contribution as coach was perhaps the introduction of unlimited use of the rolling substitution rule. The Australian legend changed the traditional 11-player and five reserve structure to a revolving 16-player roster with devastating effect. In charge of the Australian women's team from 1993-2000, Charlesworth introduced bodysuits, brought in psychologists, and took players to basketball, soccer and AFL matches, yoga classes and gymnastics.


After guiding the Australian team to double gold in the World Cup and Olympics, the doctor of medicine was hoping to take up a new challenge — coaching the Indian team after their debacle in the Athens Olympics.

Excerpts from the second part of the super coach's interview with TOI.

The Indian team has a knack of choking in the final stages of a match. What do you think is the solution?

Choking occurs when you aren't well-prepared. The team must not be afraid to lose and should never try to defend a lead. The coach can lift the burden of fear from the players. It is mental and tactical and not physical or technical.



How do you assess India's performance from 2002-2004. What were the high points and pitfalls?


In 2002 World Cup India were overconfident and didn't play enough in the lead-up so the young team was not really ready for a World Cup. I think Cedric (D'Souza) had some good ideas but he overestimated the teams' readiness.

In 2003 there were some good performances but you didn't look behind the result. For instance, while you beat Australia in the final match in a tournament, it was clear that Australia were experimenting and not on top of their game. Indeed Australia A beat them twice in the series, once 7-2.

In 2004 they were not coherent, there was bit of everything. The three-month overseas training camps were expensive and unnecessary. The whole thing seemed disjointed. You don't win the Olympics in the last few weeks.

How would you rate Dhanraj Pillay? He has recently come under attack for not winning an Olympic medal for India.

I mention Pillay in my book as a champion. He is one of the best players I have seen in the last 20-30 years. He had speed, skill, dynamism and often made a difference when it counted. His powers have faded with age but he has been the best Indian player of his generation.

From what you've seen of Indian hockey, do you think there is not enough talent left?


Not necessarily. I am always impressed by the talent but that is not enough in modern sport. The organisation, discipline, tactics and science must complement this. The team in 1984 (Zafar Iqbal, Shahid, Topno, Somayya, Fernandis etc) was the best Indian team since the 1970s.

Finally, there is talk that you are interested in coaching India. What has been the IHF's response?

I indicated to the IHF that I'm interested as I thought after Athens they might consider someone like me. I hope they do. I believe my credentials for the job are second to none and I would be happy to have my application measured against any other applicant.

Unfortunately, they don't seem to be much interested, so I will look for something else to do. I have been offered other jobs in hockey but my only real interest is in coaching Australia or India. Since Australia won in Athens, India is the most interesting possibility for me as I am fresh from a hockey break.

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