After the successful stint in Canada, it seemed that everything in Indian hockey was getting settled, but the recent controversies, first about Hockey India’s elections and now the feud between some senior players and the team management, have once again brought Indian hockey into the limelight for the wrong reasons.
The news that seven of the senior players did not turn up for the preparatory camp in Pune for the Champions Challenge I tournament in Argentina next month once again shown that things are not alright in the Indian camp. It is said that rebels are dissatisfied with the working technique of senior coach Jose Brasa.
According to them, 'new captain every game' policy of the coach is not going down too well with the players. The Spaniard applied this formula in Canada, where he fielded five different captains in the six test match series that India won 0-6.
Players are also unhappy by Spaniard's dropping six core group players for every foreign trip. The coach thinks, it helps in checking the bench strength of the side plus it keeps players on their toes. But players say it brings unnecessary pressure on them to perform.
Are these the only reasons behind the feud? Things started brewing up few days ago when Rajpal Singh was appointed as captain in place of Sandeep Singh for the December 6-13 tourney. Sandeep's injury was behind his exclusion from the side, said the coach. But the statement given today by Hockey India chief, AK Mattoo presented a different picture altogether. He said, he had seen the doctor's report on Sandeep's injury and it was not alarming. Later the drag-flicker also stated that he would put his point forward after talking to Hockey India officials.
Are we again witnessing the Ric Charlesworth episode? Then, the Australian was charged of highhandedness towards the players. This time too, things look quite similar.
What problems Indian players face whenever any foreign coach takes over? I think every foreign coach comes with a definite objective as they are not emotionally attached to the country. Their main aim is to fulfill their targets within the specified period. It adds to their CVs. That is why they try to do their job in a more professional manner. They make strategies by keeping in mind the recent performances, playing style and history of that team. Out of many examples, the one I remember clearly is the present coach of the Russian national football team Guus Hiddink, who did wonders for all teams—club or national—he coached.
Our players initially welcome the change but they always find it difficult to accept the changes suggested by these coaches. Language is not the only barrier that confronts the players. Innovative but intense training, trying different formulas to enhance the performance of the side are few others. I think, the problem lies more in our attitude than the working style of these coaches. Our players find it difficult to accept the changes suggested by the coaches. Few consider themselves bigger than the game and not ready to implement the changes.
We have also seen Greg Chappell's stint with the Indian cricket team as coach. He was too open to media and may be trying too many things to our players and management likings. He was shown the door immediately. But barring few things, the innovative technique started by the Australian proved beneficial for the side. With his consent, Sourav Ganguly and Zaheer Khan were dropped from the side. And the way these two senior pro came back after a terrific show in the domestic and county circuit was stupendous.
Patience is what important when it comes to foreign coaching. Hockey India should learn their lessons from the Charlesworth episode and try not to repeat them with Brasa. I think, by giving time and keeping patience, we will see results soon.
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