UK-basedu00a0Farokh Engineer hopes the Indian team stays together as controversial coach Duncan Fletcher takes over

While there could be a sense of optimism in the cricketing fraternity over the appointment of Duncan Fletcher as coach of the Indian team, former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has taken a cautious approach.


Duncan Fletcher with Andrew Flintoff in 2005 PIC/Getty Images

Engineer, who resides in Lancashire, England has watched Fletcher closely during his reign as the England coach from 1999 to 2007. "I am a bit surprised over his appointment. He may have done some great things with the England team, but he also created a lot of rift in the team. He made sections in the team, which I hope he doesn't do with the Indian team. He is believed to have created problems between Andrew Flintoff, Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan. Flintoff was very anti-Fletcher throughout his reign," Engineer told MiD DAY from the United Kingdom yesterday.

"I sincerely hope he doesn't spoil the good work done by Gary Kirsten & Co. They have kept the team united.
His major challenge will be to hold the team together. His man-management skills will be really tested. I just wish him well," added the 73-year-old. Fletcher, though, is unlikely to be with the team during the tour of West Indies in June.

Another cause of concern for Engineer is Fletcher's strong personality. He fears a clash with some equally strong personalities in the Indian team. "Fletcher is a strong personality from what I know. He will be up against some strong personalities in the Indian team like MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar," he said.u00a0u00a0u00a0

Under Fletcher, England beat Australia in 2005 to win the Ashes for the first time in 18 years. He was credited for turning around England's Test fortunes during his eight-year stint. Engineer doesn't see Fletcher bringing much value addition to the world champion Indian team. "He is a proven coach, but he is not a proven cricketer. What is he going to teach our batsmen who are better than him? It is just about managing the team well and that even an Indian could have done the job. But we seem to be respecting foreigners," stressed Engineer.

When asked to evaluate the decision by the Indian board to appoint Fletcher, he said: "I have mixed feelings. I hope all goes well."