Team motivation keeps us going: Srikkanth
dubai — Former Indian skipper and dashing opener Kris Srikkanth reckons professional advice and proper grooming by former players through informal channels and interaction go a long way in achieving success in sport.
“The role VVS Laxman and I play as mentors for the Sunrise Hyderabad team is mainly hinged on an informal basis where we discuss and keep talking to the team. The recurring problems, small irritations and distractions of especially the younger lot are important ingredients in team building,” said Srikkanth after his team had finished the evening net practice on Sunday at the ICC Academy grounds at Dubai Sports City.
“We try to zero down on the niggling problems including advising them, players and management included, and also provide try assisting with hands-on backup. This
All of us are gelling into a smooth sailing unit
Kris Srikkanth
gave us an advantage last season and this year with a nucleus of established players and young blood, we should be hitting the right chord during the first phase of IPL 2014 in the UAE,” he added.
“All of us are gelling into a smooth sailing unit well ahead of the first match against Rajasthan Royals in Abu Dhabi on April 18 in the second match of the day at 6.30pm,” Srikkanth said.
“We are always around and available to be of meaningful assistance and guidance to the side.”
“Thankfully we do not have injury problems and other logistical hiccups because of the minimum amount of travel involved in the UAE phase though the schedule is a lot tighter from April 16 to 30 than the Indian leg,” said the 54year old former star who helped India to their first ever cricket World Cup in 1983 in England.
The former chairman of the national selection committee has 2062 runs (Tests) and 4091 runs (ODIs) to his credit.
Srikkanth was legend Sunil Gavaskar’s opening partner and was then known to take risks even in the early part of the innings, quite often scoring breathtaking boundaries and sixes over the inner ring of fielders.