If India needs a fielding coach, it has to be Ricky Ponting, feels Matthew Hayden

Though the Indians have been on point with the batting and bowling departments, India’s fielding standards have gone down significantly. To be more specific, India’s slip fielding is an area Ravi Shastri and squad needs to work upon mainly. Drop catches at the slip cost India a win in the Test match against the Lions at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal capitalised on the situation to slam centuries which saw them end it in a draw.

In recent times we have seen teams hiring a coach for every single department not only batting, bowling and fielding but also subdivisions such as fast bowling, spin bowling, dieticians, physical trainers. India also made a similar move when they appointed Rahul Dravid as the overseas batting coach, which ultimately did not get finalised. However, the question now lies should India invest on a slip fielding coach?

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Former Aussie legend Matthew Hayden threw some light on the issue. According to ‘Haydos’ as we know him, if someone could be a slip fielding coach for a team, it has to be none other than Ricky Ponting.

“The cricket world hasn’t thought about a slip fielding coach, but if they need one, then it has to be Ricky Ponting. He was outstanding,” said Matthew Hayden to mid-day.

Hayden also pointed out that constantly shuffling players at the slip cordon will do more harm than good to a team.

“One should not change fielders from their allotted positions. If Mr X stands regularly in the first slip area, he should be allowed to remain there only because in the process he will feels comfortable to stand in the same spot. Ultimately, he will do personal adjustments to his fielding when he gets the opportunity to stand in the same position again,” Hayden, a specialist close-in fielder, added.