Proud of our record: Gary Kirsten

Bengaluru
Aug. 27: If there is one factor that differentiates a good team from the rest, it is consistency. Team India have been able to achieve a measure of steady success over the past eight months and coach Gary Kirsten is keen on carrying it forward in the forthcoming season.

After an interaction with his wards after six weeks, Kirsten was a satisfied man and felt that the break had come at the right time. Speaking after the first day of the preparatory camp at the NCA, the South African revealed his thoughts on his plans for the team. Excerpts:

On maintaining consistency: We have performed well as a one-day team, and over the last eight months we have an 80 per cent win ratio. We are proud of our consistency and proud of our record. We look forward to continuing that.
On the importance of performing as a team: Ever since the tour of Australia we have had success and I think we have performed as a team. We did have a setback in the World T20 Championships, but that can happen to any world-class team. Now we are looking forward to what we can achieve.
On the six-week break: It was important for the boys to have a break, the longest break the Indian team have had for a long time. The players are mentally fresh and the break has helped them to work on their conditioning.
On preparations for Lanka and the Champions Trophy: We have the inter-corporate tournament coming up and most of the players are playing in it. I think we have to prepare according to the conditions. The conditions in Sri Lanka, where we play only three games, are similar to the conditions here. We then have a long break before we play our first game in the Champions Trophy in South Africa. So I think we have enough time to make the preparations.
On Indian weakness against short-pitched deliveries: The short-pitched delivery was a problem only in one T20 game. But this is 50-over format and we are playing a completely different version. During the training and the planning we try to cover all bases so that we have the best chance of success. But, I don’t see it as big problem as the players have performed exceptionally well in one-day cricket for a long time.
On the return of Dravid and Tendulkar: It is extremely good to have Rahul and Sachin back. They are quality cricket players and the team will benefit having them around.
On his expectations from Dravid: My expectation from Rahul is the same as that from any other player. I would like every one to give their 100 per cent and I don’t need to tell him as he gives it either during the team training or during the matches. Dravid is a is a natural performer and he has a lot of value to add in terms of his performance.