Chennai, May 13 (IANS) No miracles or dramatic changes overnight was the strong message that newly-appointed coach Duncan Fletcher sent out as he took his first tentative steps into the hot waters of Indian cricket here Friday.
Admitting the obvious that he was excited and looked forward to his assignment, the 62-year old former Zimbabwe captain said he needed to first settle down, understand the needs and the players and accordingly tailor his working.
"I checked with Gary Kirsten when I was in Cape Town, and also had a meeting with Eric Symonds (the bowling coach). Together, they have given some advices. I have checked with the other sides and noticed that they all work differently. Coaching the Indian team is a new challenge for me.
"At the moment, it is very important that people appreciate that there is not going to be any major changes. I have checked with Gary Kirsten and I watched their performances. I have got some ideas, and make changes, if necessary," said Fletcher.
Fletcher, a former England coach, said his experience would stand him in good stead while handling the celebrity players in the Indian team.
"I think it is something that you got to work on as time progresses. I have handled big players elsewhere as well. I think you've got to develop this kind of man- management. The first thing is that you got to gain their respect and they got to gain my respect.
"Once that respect is gained, it makes your job easier. Having travelled around with the South African side when they toured India and when India was there in South Africa, I observed and watched players.
"Hopefully, what I have learnt I can put to good effect with the Indian side. When India approached me, it was exciting. India is a side with lot of talent and it just got me excited, and matters moved on from there.
"I think you've got to make sure that you offer advices. You don't be dictatorial in your approach. There will be players who accept certain advice. You know sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. I think I had relatively a good success in the sub-continent and hopefully I can help in certain areas," said Fletcher, who guided the English team to their historic Ashes win in 2005.