Amol Muzumdar, who has been appointed South Africa’s batting coach for the Test series in India, said it is not mandatory that a coach should have had international playing experience. Muzumdar has played 171 first-class matches but never make it to the national side.
“I’d like to break this myth here and now that only if you’ve played international cricket, you’re qualified to talk about the sport. If I’m the torch-bearer, let me be one. Coaching is a completely different aspect,” Amol Muzumdar told Mumbai Mirror.
“If I know my subject fairly well – and mine is batting – and can give valid suggestions, then my job is to convince him (the player). How I do it is my skill. And if I know my subject well – which I do after 21 years of first-class cricket and four years in junior cricket – I don’t feel the urge that I should have played international cricket,” he further added.
His biggest challenge will be to tackle India’s spinners, who will pose a massive threat at home. However, the coach said South Africa should be careful but not to focus only on that part.
Read here: Rishabh Pant Should Drop Down From No.4 to Regain Form, Says VVS Laxman
“It’s a challenge, no question about it. But there’s no point focussing excessively on Indian spinners,” he said. “India have a potent attack which doesn’t revolve only around spinners. If you focus on that area, you may miss out on other aspects. If you plan and prepare, then it’s only a question of execution. Against spin, we’ll have to deal with it. It’s an ongoing process. It requires skill and the right mindset. If you have that balance, you should be able to tackle it.”
Muzumdar further shared his coaching philosophy and career which began with doubling up as a player-cum-coach in the Netherlands later in his career. He was playing first-class cricket for Assam and coached them too. Later he did Level 1, Level II in England and later did the same courses in India as well. After that, he completed Level III in Australia from Brisbane’s Centre of Excellence a couple of years ago.
“There was lot of diversity in my playing career just like the way it’s with my coaching career. And I love it. I don’t stick to a plan,” he said. “I enjoy working with people from different ethnic backgrounds. You must make sure they’re in a comfortable space. You should integrate into their culture whether it’s the Australians, the Dutch or the English. In that respect coaching is a challenge.”
Muzumdar is also the batting coach of Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“It’s a great opportunity. Coaching Rajasthan Royals in the IPL has given me a platform. It’s a superb franchise that gave me an opportunity to work with world-class players, some of whom are the best in the business. International cricket is a different kettle of fish,” he concluded.
