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 Three games in four days took a toll on the players: Kirsten
1st Jul 2008 22:01 IST
Agencies
The BCCI may not think much of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's complaint about tight schedules but coach Gary Kirsten feels the Indian ODI captain has a valid grouse against crammed itineraries as they are affecting players' performance.
"I think that three games in four days in this heat took a toll on the players. It is unfair to expect players to play that amount of cricket in such short space of time in 35 degree heat," Kirsten told reporters in Karachi following the team's first net session after two days of rest.
"Due to the schedule, the pace was off a little bit in last game but we are not concerned about it and guys are fielding well in the nets and we're happy with that. Yes, we made few mistakes in last games, and the guys are aware of that," he added.
Dhoni had lambasted the hectic schedule of the Asia Cup, which saw India play back-to-back matches in the group stage. The team, however, got a break after that and play Pakistan tomorrow, followed by Sri Lanka the next day.
Kirsten said with their batteries recharged, the Indians were looking forward to the games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
"The guys are good performers and they always want to do well. As I've said earlier, there are players we are working on and I hope they will execute in the next games," he stated.
"Sri Lanka is playing good cricket, they're a good side, a very well organised team. They have got a good team and like Pakistan, they're also going to be a tough opponent," he added, listing the opposition's strengths.
Asia Cup has been a high-scoring event so far and Kirsten felt the flat wickets have tilted the balance heavily in favour of batsmen.
"But we have come up with a couple of ideas on what we are going do and have spent some times with bowlers. We believe in these bowlers, they're the same bowlers who did exceptionally well in Australia ... we've identified what we need to do on these wickets," he said.
Asked about the indifferent form of Rohit Sharma in the tournament, Kirsten said the talented right-hander would strike sooner than later.
"We back him fully in the team. He is a star of the future, we continue to work on his game and give him options in terms of what he can do on a cricket field. We are very exited about his talent," he said. |
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