The following article is an extract from Now or never: The Inside Story of the Indian Cricket Team at the 2003 World Cup by the team analyst: Shayamal Vallabhjee. In this section Shayamal tells us some of the plans India put into place before the tournament started.

The Indian contingent stayed at The Spier Wine Estate for our first match.

At Spier, we had our first major team meeting which was conducted by John and Dr Sandy Gordhon. That was probably the most important and informative meeting I had ever attended. We discussed everything, laid down some rules, developed games plans, and created platforms for speech that were to pave our way forward. Contributions from every individual were integral to a successful campaign. John’s calm disposition and Dr Gordhon’s insight into the workings of the Australian Cricket Team provided an atmosphere and aura to behold. We were all focused on the goal, and determined to contribute.

Cohesion was identified as completely integral to our success, so we made some house rules to aid us in achieving our goals.

• Do not let media pressure and pressure from India (home) get to you.
• Do not be aggressive - be supportive in a quiet manner – do not let others see that there are pressure problems within the game.
• The team performance on the field is like a disease – it spreads to all players. Ensure that you spread a good vibration of commitment and determination to win.
• Players must all understand their roles in the team. We must appreciate every contribution towards the team’s performance. Showing appreciation breeds confidence which develops winning habits.
• Do not be complacent – remind each other of their roles and the team goal.
• We lack the killer instinct – people must be brave enough to give constructive criticism, and others must be man enough to listen.We cannot afford to switch off during any part of the game.
• The day before the match is crucial – the way we prepare sets the trend for the match.
•  Warm ups are 50% physical and 50% mental. – be prepared for both aspects of the game.

One of the final tasks of the meeting was to appoint a batting captain, a bowling captain, and a fielding captain. There job was to evaluate the team’s respective performances in the various fields in accordance with the team goals and plans. This was hugely important for two fold reasons:

It helped Saurav Ganguly on the field, as he had junior captains evaluating performance whilst he could strategize. It also turned every member of the team into an analyst, which kept them completely focused.

Secondly and more importantly, it provided a platform for the youngsters to speak openly and without the fear of criticism. This with time aided in them being more expressive both on and off the field. John was instrumental is directing the information in the right channel and at the correct time.

The captains and game plans were as follows:
 

• Batting Captain: Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh
• Bowling Captain: Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan
• Fielding Captain: Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif

Batting Game Plan

• Emphasis on Partnerships
• As a team we want to achieve (1 x 100 runs) by an individual and (1 x 100 runs; 2 x 50 runs) in partnerships.
• Wickets in Hand
• At the fall of each wicket, the next pair must try to put on a 20 run partnership minimum. This will avoid consecutive wickets falling and two new batsmen at the crease.
• Always run the first run hard.
• When batting in the last ten overs, try to look for the boundary in the first two balls of the over.
• Trust your boundary hitting instincts and look for plenty of singles.

Bowling Game Plan

• Minimize extras. No wides or no balls. This begins with discipline at practice.
• No short pitched deliveries.
• We want two early wickets. Preferably in the first ten overs.
• Stress the importance of dot balls.
• Bowl in partnerships.
• Start and finish the over well: Try to avoid boundaries of the first and last delivery.
• Minimize boundaries in the last ten overs.
• Give off 100% in the second spell to try to set up the game for us, irrespective of the situation.
• Minimize experimentation.
• Anil Kumbles Tip: If you are struggling with your line and length, try to imagine that there are only two people on the ground (You and the wicketkeeper). If teaches you discipline.

Fielding Game Plan
 

• Try to average two run outs per game.
• Always be alert on the field.
• Throwing to the wicketkeeper must be of the highest quality.
• People must be prepared to throw themselves around for the team.
• Intensity levels must be high and low, but never switched off.
• Involvement is crucial. Always read the situation.
• Always pay attention to the captain and wicketkeeper.
• Standardize our approach to the game. The intensity during the warm up sets the trend for the game.
• Each fielder must endeavor to end with a + 2 against his name. (A miss field which results in two runs is a -2. A good save that results in a run saved is a +1.)
• Always be positive and encouraging on the field.
•  

We now had a blueprint of what was required to ensure a successful Cricket World Cup. All that was needed was to practice our plan, execute it diligently, show courage and determination in the face of adversity, and be humble in success.

Click here to purchase Now or Never: The Inside Story of the Indian Cricket Team at the 2003 World Cup

image credit: B. Sandman