IPL 2022: It's Finding A Way To Add Value To What They Know- Mike Hesson On Coaching Players Like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) director of cricket operations, Mike Hesson, said that experienced players like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers cannot be taught how to bat but all you can do is add slight values to their gameplay.

Hesson joined the RCB franchise back in 2019 and has worked with the Kohli and de Villiers for over two years. He was previously the head coach of the New Zealand cricket team where he also had the chance of coaching Kane Williamson.

“You certainly cannot teach them how to bat, that’s the last thing you’re going to do. It’s just how you can find a way to add value to what they already know. When you’re straight in competition, the last thing you want to do is create uncertainty around techniques or anything like that.”

“So, most of our coaching or discussions are just, if you see something that’s maybe not quite right, you just observe for a while, and then you ask questions because these players are great for a reason. They’ve probably had 10-30 different coaches throughout their lives, who have all offered different bits of advice, so, they’ve arrived at this point in time with loads of information,” Hesson said in the RCB podcast.

“It’s how you can add value” – Mike Hesson

Hesson further mentioned that asking the right question helps as the players are constantly looking to improve. They know what’s best for their game and helping them visualize it is the job of the coach.

“They’ve obviously gone down this path for a reason. Rather than feeling I have the right to come in and make a judgment on their game and question it, I just ask questions. Because ultimately, they have the answers but they can’t watch themselves at the time.”

“They might be kinesthetic learners so they might need to feel it, they might need to see it; they might need somebody to tell them. It’s just working out how that player receives information and how you can add value,” Hesson further added.

The IPL 2022 season will kick off on March 26. The league stage will be played across two cities – Mumbai and Pune.

Also Read – IND vs SL: Dilip Vengsarkar Recalls How Selectors Identified Virat Kohli During His Initial Days Of Career