Former Indian all-rounder Robin Singh, who is currently the coach of Honk Kong cricket team has termed team India as the best T20 side. He also heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah and has urged him to look after his fitness in order to continue performing at the highest level.
Recently at an event in Chennai, the former cricketer talked about India’s chances in the upcoming World T20, his new role as the coach of Hong Kong and about the newcomers in the Indian team. When asked about how will India fare in the World T20 the 52-year-old said, “India is one of the favourites without a doubt.”
“From my personal experience, I’ve sensed that the other teams find it difficult to adjust to the conditions here. Most of the countries actually fear playing in India, especially playing India in India.”
India is the best side when it comes to T20s
Singh was the fielding coach of the Indian team which won the inaugural World T20 in 2007. When he was asked to evaluate India’s performance after 2007, the Trinidad-born said, “I think T20 cricket is something that we’ve probably played better than any other team. It’s more skill-based.
“It’s that kind of a format in which you just don’t turn up and play the game. You need to have the required skill-set and be able to execute them. India has always had the skills.”
Singh also praised Dhoni captaincy and urged critics to stop criticizing him he said, “Relentless criticism has to stop and Dhoni needs to be given credit for what he has done. He has taken Indian cricket to another level.”
Singh compared Bumrah to Balaji and applauded Team India’s fielding
Singh also praised young Jasprit Bumrah on his development and said that his bowling reminds him of Laxmipathy Balaji. He said, “He was an unknown entity when we picked him (for Mumbai Indians). He suffered an ankle injury last year but has come back really strong.
“He’s a very skilful bowler. He reminds me a lot of Lakshmipathy Balaji. Balaji was skilful yet picked up injuries often. Bumrah has to focus more on keeping himself fit.”
The former Indian fielding coach also praised the Indian fielding side for their current displays. He said, “I think we are right up there with most of the top fielding teams today. What is important, and also something that I would like to see, is for the players to try and hit the stumps more often.
“That’s one area we miss out a lot on especially in close games. It proved crucial even in the most recent one-day series in Australia.”
When asked about the challenges to coach a fringe team like Hong Kong he said, “Coaching smaller teams is more difficult and challenging. It’s more of man-management with the big teams since they are already quite well-set.
“Whereas, the smaller teams need to be skilled and instilled with confidence. And when such a team is elevated to play at a more competitive level, it stands to gain more out of that exposure. I prefer to coach younger and smaller sides since the results are definitive.”
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