'I feel unwanted' By: Clayton Murzello
May 20, 2007
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Sandeep Patil has got the blues and it’s not only about the job of coaching Team India 
Hitting Across The Line: Sandeep Patil
PIC/Atul Kamble
THE huge television set in Sandeep Patil’s living room at his Shivaji Park dwelling is not switched on.
Is the former India dasher and coach wary of watching and hearing speculation on Greg Chappell’s successor? “I am enjoying it,” he says.
It is easy to spot a tinge of cynicism, a sliver of hurt. “I am not hurt but yes, I feel I am unwanted. I will accept it.”
Patil (51) was one of the first names television channels put out as the one who could take over after Chappell announced his desire not to continue as coach. “Yes, my name figured on that screen.
Journalists called me up to ask me what I thought and I just said, ‘Let’s see! What could I say?’ ”
Patil became India coach in 1996. His term lasted six months. A few weeks ago, a Board official said Patil was replaced by Madan Lal because of a player revolt.
“I am in touch with many players in the Indian team. They call me and I call them. I don’t make calls to congratulate them on their centuries and five-wicket hauls. I call them when they are down.
Touched“I was touched when Gautam Gambhir, who I coached when he was in the India ‘A’ team, called me as soon as he landed in Delhi from Dhaka to thank me.
I was touched. I am in touch with players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble and even the young Dinesh Karthik.”
One reason for the 1996 revolt can be put down to talk of Patil being too dominant. “It’s a tricky situation. If you are tough, it is not appreciated by the players.
If you are soft, the selectors and Board have a problem. I have always said that the BCCI have the right to hire and fire. I was hired and fired. It’s all in the past now. But the BCCI should appoint a coach to help Indian cricket, not players.”
Patil is a proud man. Proud of what he was able achieve as coach, be it with Madhya Pradesh, India U-19, India ‘A’ before and after his Kenya stint which saw the Africans reach the semi-finals of the 2003 World Cup.
More recently, he completed a satisfying term with Oman. “They were 89th in the associate countries ranking. Today they are 21st and happy,” said Patil.
ConfusedAs he tries to hide his hurt over not getting a permanent position in Indian cricket, he admits to being confused. “I have the highest respect for Raj Singh Dungarpur.
We go back a long way. When he wanted me to accept an offer to coach Rajasthan, he kept telling me I am the best coach around.
“Yet, when he came to commenting on the India job, he said only a foreigner can coach Team India. I am confused.”
GratefulWhen he ended his stint with Kenya at the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, he offered to assist India in any capacity before he even left Durban.
He was given charge of the ‘A’ team on his return but never a permanent position.
“Look, I am not complaining about the BCCI. In fact, I am grateful to them for many things. They send me a Rs 35,000 cheque every month and in my playing days they were spot on with financial aid for medical expenses.
They spent Rs 60,000 in those days (1980s) for my shoulder operation. These things are not easily forgotten.”
Patil’s disappointment revolves around the fact that the establishment has not found him worthy enough for a permanent position.
“Last year, they wanted me to be with the ‘A’ team in Abu Dhabi. I spurned the offer. If they want me, they should give me an extended run.”
Why beg?Patil roars again. “I won’t apply for the job. Why should I beg?
I’ve heard that Dav Whatmore could be the next coach. Good luck to him. I’ve known Dav for several years. He has a good track record. To me, performance counts.
When you think of John Buchanan, you think of Australia’s success. And Dav’s name is synonymous with Bangladesh’s upswing.”
Patil has a lot on his plate, which negates the suspicion that he is desperate to get involved in Indian cricket. “I’ve just finished with Oman.
But I am involved with the Complan coaching programme for school kids and I have television commitments.
“I drive to the grounds and I am happy to save three hours of travel time for the kids. Kapil (Dev) invited me to come over to the under-17 National Cricket Academy nets in Bangalore.
But it conflicts with me coaching the same age group in Mumbai, so I didn’t go.
I have got offers to coach state teams like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh but I was committed to other projects and most importantly to my family. My wife and kids come first.”
Patil drove home a cricket truism: “Coach is surely a wrong word. What a team needs is a high performance manager. Who knows, I could be the one for India.”
Optimism is never lost on him. But hope and despair won’t stop the former crowd-puller from going to bed at 9.45 pm. He won’t lose his sleep.
AuthorTopic: 'I feel unwanted' : Patil (Read 406 times)
April 11, 2006, 01:38:23 PM