Le Roux quits India to train South Africans

Adrian Le Roux, the physical trainer of the Indian team for the last year, has decided to quit the post and join the South African team as their trainer. Le Roux, whose contract with South Africa extends till 2005, will join the squad later this week.

The Indian board (BCCI) was initially caught unawares by this development, but later issued a statement saying that it respected Le Roux's decision, and would start searching for a replacement.

Speaking to the Times of India, John Wright, the India coach, said, "it has come as a surprise. However, he has made a decision as a professional and we can only respect his judgement." He added: "But he has left a schedule to follow for Indian players and I am sure everyone will try to live up to it."

Le Roux had joined the Indian team early last year, and had won the praise of the players after significantly improving fitness levels. Impressed by his performance, the Indian board had increased his salary and extended his contract by a year immediately after the World Cup.

"He blended so well within the team and its structure and contributed immensely to the boys' fitness. He took immense pains and spent time with individuals to improve their mental and physical toughness," Wright said. "I can safely say that we all, including the boys, will miss him. But he had to make a personal decision and one could only wish him good luck."

In a statement, Le Roux said that he enjoyed his stint in India, but was delighted to get an opportunity to work with the South Africans. "It was a wonderful experience working with India, in a very different cricket culture, and I learnt a great deal with them," he said. "It is obviously a great privilege to have the opportunity to work with one's own national team and I am looking forward to the challenge of helping the team's performance.

"I wish the Indian cricket team and its management all the best for the future and I hope that they will continue to be a winning team."

Jagmohan Dalmiya, president of the Indian board, said that he understood Le Roux's stand perfectly. "We have received a communication from Le Roux, resigning from the position of fitness trainer," Dalmiya said. "Adrian did a wonderful job with the team and this was reflected in the results. The BCCI, however, respects his national sentiments and, therefore, a suitable replacement is being explored.

"Working for his own country would obviously mean much more to Le Roux and the BCCI understands his sentiments. It will also give him an opportunity to stay with his family."

Dalmiya ruled out any action against Le Roux for breach of contract. He said that the board had already started the process of looking out for possible contenders for the post, and would announce the replacement soon.