Joshi scripts another success story

In his first assignment as coach, the former India player guides Hyderabad to Elite group

Not too long ago, Sunil Joshi was an integral part of the Karnataka side. The left-arm spinning all-rounder, who has 615 first-class wickets and over 5000 runs, was also the highest wicket-taker for the State in the last Ranji Trophy campaign. But at the onset of a fresh season, the 41-year-old decided to step aside and take up coaching.

Though the former India player hasn’t officially retired (keeping the player-cum-coach option open), he didn’t have to put on the white flannels as he successfully plotted Hyderabad’s comeback into the Elite Division after the southern outfit spent two seasons in the lower Plate Group in his first serious coaching foray.

As a sportsman, it’s indeed difficult to keep the competitive juices in check. The wisdom, however, lies in calling time on one’s career at the right moment. “I still have the desire (to play),” Joshi told Deccan Herald from Hyderabad. “Though I am fit to carry on playing, I didn’t want to block a youngster coming into the (Karnataka) side.

“At the same time, the coaching job too came my way, making my decision to move away a little easier. I was also contemplating the job with Baroda and Andhra but when the Hyderabad offer came, I was more than happy to accept it because I knew many of the current players already and of course the ones I played with like (Venkatapathi) Raju, Laxman... I knew I would be comfortable working with known people,” he noted.

A Level II and III certificate holder in coaching from the National Cricket Academy, Joshi experienced practical difficulties once the Ranji season began. Joshi admitted he was apprehensive about his first assignment as a coach. “There were nerves to begin with and there have been times when I felt like going out in the middle and showing the players how it’s done,” he admitted.

Hyderabad did take the first-innings honours in their opening match against Jharkhand, but suffered an innings defeat at home against Maharashtra, when they were rolled over for 54, which attracted heavy criticism. “But then, I am no stranger to criticism,” laughed Joshi. “I know if we don’t do well as individuals or as a team, we are bound to be get hauled up. Sometimes it gets a bit harsh, but that’s part of our profession.

“When we lost to Maharashtra, I told everyone that I take the blame for the defeat. It had an immediate impact on the team and the players came and told me ‘It’s the failure of the team and not just an individual’. I think that was my first victory as a coach. It was important for me to make the team comfortable and confident under me. After the defeat, we had team-building exercises and asked (former Tamil Nadu batsman) S Sharath (the match referee for the Maharashtra match) to talk to the team. I must admit, his pep talk was of great help, ” he explained.

The first task that had been given to him, Joshi revealed, was to get the side back in the Elite division. “Having played in the lower division, I could understand how desperately Hyedarabad wanted to get back to where they belong. There is hunger and talent. My job was to make them realise that they could do it. The first task (getting promotion) has been accomplished, but we are not going to relax. We will do our best to go all the way,” he stressed, ahead of their quarterfinal at home against defending champions Rajasthan.