A happy swan song for Gaekwad

Anshuman Gaekwad © CricInfo

When he reluctantly took up the job two months ago, he was aware that it was only for a very limited period. Just two tournaments and then he would be replaced by a foreign coach. But then the circumstances under which he took over were rather extraordinary. National coach Kapil Dev had sent in his resignation midway through an unhappy two year term in the wake of match fixing allegations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was still undecided on who the foreign coach would be and when he would be named. But a coach had to be appointed for the Indian team was committed to playing in tournaments at Nairobi and Sharjah. Who else could the board turn to but Anshuman Gaekwad. No matter that he had been removed from the post rather unceremoniously last year. No matter that the stint would at best be for a little over a month. The country needed him and the 48- year-old former Indian opening batsman and Baroda captain just could not say no.

As luck would have it, Gaekwad's stint lasted a little longer thanks to the BCCI's procrastination in naming the foreign coach. The tenure included the inaugural Test against Bangladesh and not unexpectedly it was a highly satisfied Gaekwad who talked to CricInfo as India surged towards victory during the fourth day's play of the Test at Dhaka. Looking back at events over the last couple of months, Gaekwad said, ''honestly I can say it has been a satisfactory tenure. We beat top teams like Australia and South Africa at Nairobi and we also defeated West Indies in a practice game which was played in a very serious atmosphere, I can tell you. There was suddenly a new confidence in the side and it started winning.'' Speaking of the Dhaka Test, Gaekwad conceded that ''we could have done better. We conceded too many runs.

But one must also give credit to Bangladesh who I thought played really well in the first innings. Also one must not forget that the pitch is placid. But I have not ruled out winning the Test. I just told the boys to go out there and put pressure on Bangladesh.'' As events turned out, India won in style.

On reflection, did he feel that the results could have been better? ''Well, yes, winning the final at Nairobi would have been the icing on the cake and the showing at Sharjah could have been better. But overall as I said I am quite satisfied with the results. The boys have started winning, there is a new confidence and that was my main objective when I took over.''

What would he list as among the gains? ''First of all, our fielding has improved tremendously. Secondly, the teamwork is excellent. You could see that in Kenya. We tried to follow a system and almost everything went according to plan. And speaking of individuals, one must say that the discovery of the three new young players was a big bonus. Zaheer was an asset to the pace bowling department, Yuvraj was a tower of strength in the middle order while Dahiya too did well behind the stumps.''

Asked how he would like to be associated with Indian cricket in future, Gaekwad said so far there has not been any offer but as and when it does come he would love to be associated with the game. He however categorically ruled out taking up the post of assistant coach. He spoke emotionally about his close involvement with the Indian team over both his tenures, saying that ''they were as close to me like my family members. I will definitely miss the boys.''

Speaking about his immediate future plans, Gaekwad said he had a couple of things to attend to back home in Baroda and this revolved around both his job and his family. ''Also I would like to spend some time with my sons who are showing an interest in cricket.'' The elder boy is 20 and the younger 17.

Looking to the future of Indian cricket, Gaekwad expressed confidence that the team would do well. ''The nucleus of a good side is there, the team is gelling well and there is the right blend of youth and experience,'' he said.

Recalling the time when he was approached to take over, Gaekwad admitted that he was a bit hesitant initially. ''Being removed the previous year had hurt and then this was going to be only a very short stint. But the circumstances were extraordinary and then the board president AC Muthiah made a personal request. So I took it up and I can honestly say I am happy I did so.''

By the end of the day, Gaekwad was a very happy man. His swan song assignment did end in a victory after all.