TIRUNELVELI: It was June 17, 1999 World Cup semifinal. A heartbreaking match for South Africa and Lance Klusener. With just a wicket in hand and one to win from three balls, a communication breakdown with Allan Donald cost Proteas a place in the final.
Even after 18 years, Klusener can’t forget it, although he is fast carving a name for himself as coach. Batting consultant of Zimbabwe, he has been praised for his efforts to lift the weakened side. Mentor of Lyca Kovai Kings in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, he had also applied for the India coach’s job.
“I thought I will be able to add value as a coach. I can provide an environment where players can achieve their best. Coaching at the highest level is about providing the platform to improve. Coaches like Gary Kirsten did that and were extremely effective. That’s what I would have liked to bring in,” he says.
Talking about the migration of South African players like BJ Watling, Neil Wagner and Colin Munro to New Zealand, he said it’s a matter of opportunity that they get irrespective of where they play. “Zimbabwe had a whole lot of players moving to England to play county cricket. It’s not easy but an option to go somewhere else and try. It’s unfortunate, but hats off to these players who are brave enough to make a fresh start. Kevin Petersen took his opportunity to play in England and we all know where he ended up.”
After Brexit, when South Africa’s Kyle Abbott retired from international cricket and signed a Kolpak deal midway through the Test series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, it became the talk of the town. Following that, Rilee Rossouw chose the same path for job security.
Klusener feels it’s a good thing as long as the players add value to their teams. “I don’t know what the plans are after Brexit. That’s why we had people moving at the end of our season last year.
“To qualify for Kolpak is reasonably complicated, given that those who couldn’t avail opportunities back home. But the bottomline is the onus on county teams that are signing them. Even if there are players just playing T20 leagues, as long as they add value to their teams, it’s absolutely great.”
Working as a mentor for Lyca Kovai Kings, Klusener says coaching in T20 is not much different from other formats. “Basics are still the same. It’s just that with less time to go through, the batsmen shouldn’t take time to settle. Instead, they have to aim at making quick runs. I hope I help the boys this season,” he concluded.