What do two Indian Cricket League teams Chennai Superstars and Hyderabad Heroes have in common? It's the presence of an Australian coach.
While Michael Bevan coaches the Superstars, the Heroes have Steve Rixon at the helm.
What sets these teams apart is that they are consistent performers. No doubt the Lahore Badshahs, coached by Moin Khan, reached the finals in the last season, but it was the Heroes who emerged winners. This season too, the Superstars and Heroes have started off with a bang by winning both their games.
Hindustan Times got in touch with Bevan ahead of the match against the Chandigarh Lions to find out what sets the Superstars apart. “It’s a difficult question to answer. I think it has a lot to do with professionalism. Still, I cannot pinpoint on what actually set us apart from the rest,” he said.
“I tell them how to remain focused in demanding situations,” he added, elaborating on his coaching techniques. “I help them identify problem areas and encourage them to look for solutions. I also help them in improving their techniques. So far they have responded well to my coaching.” Bevan isn’t wrong; for it was under his tutelage they emerged victorious in the first tournament in Panchkula and later repeated the feat in the ICL 50-over domestic tournament.
In this season, while the Badshahs have started off on a poor note by losing both their matches, the Superstars and Heroes have registered victories in both matches. “I think there has been a change in the Australian way of coaching in the last five years. The attitude of the coaches towards the players is a lot more positive now,” said Bevan.
{{/usCountry}}In this season, while the Badshahs have started off on a poor note by losing both their matches, the Superstars and Heroes have registered victories in both matches. “I think there has been a change in the Australian way of coaching in the last five years. The attitude of the coaches towards the players is a lot more positive now,” said Bevan.
{{/usCountry}}“Team selection, management, training all have undergone a change,” he added.