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Communication key to success, feels Fletcher

Indias new coach prefers to stay away from the spotlight
Last Updated 13 June 2011, 17:26 IST

But during this short span of time, there have been signs that Fletcher has taken the right path to deal with his high pressure job. Like his predecessor Gary Kirsten, the former England coach is a low-profile person who loves to concentrate on the job, leaving the spotlight for players.

“It’s pretty easy to interact with Fletcher. He has been coaching various countries over the years, and that helps him with his man management skills. He is an easy person to talk to,” said Suresh Raina, India’s one-day skipper for the West Indies tour.

He’s certainly a mild-mannered individual, but no easy meat. Fletcher praised Rohit Sharma for his consistent outings in this series, but ask him about the details of his work with the Mumbaikar, Fletcher put on his stern mask.

“I don’t want to get into details. It’s between me and the player, and I don’t want to jump into the bandwagon, and say things aloud.” Words from a man who knows clearly where to draw the line. Without divulging details, Fletcher said communicating with players from diverse backgrounds is essential for the success of his job. “It’s important that I observe and understand them, to gain mutual respect. I need to get to understand how they think. People accept messages in different ways. It’s crucial how they communicate with other people. If you rush in, it’s very easy to destroy a cricketer, and far harder to help a cricketer, so I have just got to be patient.

“If someone comes and chats to me, we just have a quiet chat. That’s been the way I have always operated and will continue to operate like that. I have always liked the one-on-one situation. People tend to be more free and comfortable in that situation. They feel more comfortable to ask questions, so if they get it wrong they are not embarrassed,” Fletcher said.

Maintaining a clear mind, Fletcher said, is very important for the success of his job. “I had been observing these players through the New Zealand series, and the IPL when the offer came in. One thing I tend to do, and which I did when I took over as the England coach too, is that a lot of people have a lot of things to say about the players and other people involved in the set-up.

“But it’s very important that you go in with a very clear mind about the players and make up your own mind about them. That’s why I have stood back and observed and seen how they react to things. It’s important for me that this procedure takes place,” Fletcher said.

This trip might not test Fletcher’s skills as a coach and man-manager. Those hard times might come a month down the line in England. But Fletcher has made a bright beginning.

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(Published 13 June 2011, 17:26 IST)

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