There is no room for self-doubt in T20 cricket, feels Robin

"After I stopped playing, I haven't been involved with cricket in Tamil Nadu, apart from seeing a few players play in IPL." © Cricaction

Robin Singh has seen Tamil Nadu cricket from close quarters. The former In dia southpaw, part of the Ra-nji Trophy-winning Tamil Nadu side in 1987-88 season, who has been coaching various teams in Indian Premier Lea-gue, Carib bean Premier Lea-gue will be donning the coach's role for Karaikudi franchise at the inaugural edition of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). The 52-year-old spoke on the importance of fielding, parameters that could be used to gauge the success of any T20 league and more. Excerpts:

How did your association with Karaikudi franchise materialise?

I was approached by a couple of guys and I thought it was an interesting venture to be involved in. After I stopped playing, I haven't been involved with cricket in Tamil Nadu, apart from seeing a few players play in IPL. I was keen on doing something here and this was the right opportunity to do the same.

Do you feel the absence of outstation players will have its effect on TNPL?

T20 is not about a strong team. It is about understanding what each player's roles are and how they gel well with the team's philosophy . Our team has the likes of S Badrinath as the skipper who has a lot of experience in this format. And I believe our team has a fair amount of talent and I'm pretty sure we would do well. In this format, a lot of people will win or lose, but ultimately everyone stands to gain.

As a coach, what are the challenges you encounter in this format?

Most of the players (in TNPL) are used to playing two-day cricket and I'm not sure how many have played T20 cricket. There is no room for self-doubt in T20s. You have no choice but to execute your plans properly .Technique may not be a big factor for a batsman, but as a bowler you should have skills to execute. The other challenge is to see how good the fielders are. I believe that fielding will play a big part in this tournament, and teams that field well will go the distance.

Mumbai Indians have often been accused of having too many coaches. Do you feel it could be detrimental to a team's success?

Every team has its share of coaches. CSK (Chennai Super Kings) also had a lot of coaches. They had the likes of Stephen Fleming, Steve Rixon and Andy Bichel as part of their support staff. Mumbai Indians too have the same number of coaches in -Jonty Rhodes, Shane Bond and Ricky Ponting among others. What everyone does is add value to the side.

You've been with CPL. Are these franchises leagues making it tough to piece together a full strength WI squad?

The Test series (between India and West Indies) was scheduled by the BCCI in consultation with West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). CPL had got nothing to do with the clash of schedule. Big Bash was going on during Australia's Test series at home, but no one criticized it. Indian board has a clear window for IPL and that's why all the cricketers are part of it, but no other countries have it. WICB knew the dates of CPL and when you know that there is tournament in the same time, you try and avoid it. It's not the players fault, but that of the board's.

Do you feel the India-West Indies T20s in Florida will benefit cricket in America?

I know there is money to be made in the States. You have to pump money in to USA cricket to develop it. Holding matches is not going to promote the game as you have to develop infrastructure.

You were known for your fielding skills during your playing days. Who according to you is the best in world cricket today?

In my mind there is only one player who is the best -AB de Villiers. I've seen him from close quarters. If he is fit, then he is easily the best. As a team, South Africa have set high standards, Australia too have been good. India too is right up there among the best fielding sides in the world today.