Q: You were a highly successful captain. Would you say that a successful captain would necessarily make a good coach or...?

A: Success of a captain, however intelligent he may be, depends on the quality of the team he leads -- something I was very fortunate to have while leading Mumbai, which had tremendous players. The factor is true in the making of a successful coach too. The emphasis should be on the definition of success. It comprises two important factors: winning and the ability to extract the best out of an individual. I feel every player has infinite potential. It is just a matter of making them mentally tough.

Q: I believe you are a voracious reader of books on psychology. How can the skills be applied in cricket?

A: At the higher level of sports, mental toughness plays a very important role in the final outcome. Factors like self-confidence, self-esteem and co-operation among team-mates during good and bad moments have huge roles to play. Besides savouring the joy of success, there should be an equal amount of concern, not sympathy, for one who is undergoing a lean patch during the same time. Sachin Tendulkar is a shining example in this context. Not only is he supremely talented but he also possesses a mental attitude of the highest calibre.

Q. You have been give a one year contract by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). Is this is a meaningful tenure for a coach to be truly effective?

A. I feel a coach should at least have a three-year term. In a one-year contract, there is nothing to brag about victories nor moan about defeats. I would like to have a meeting with the MCA officials and stress the importance of a three-year contract. My basic objective is to create a stream of top-class players for the next 10 years. And for that to happen, I would also like to involve myself at the junior level. The established players in the squad don't need me much as compared to the upcoming ones.

Maybe I'll be able to convince the MCA as it comprises stalwarts like Sunil Gavaskar, Ajit Wadekar, Dilip Sardesai, Sandeep Patil and others.

Q. Does the challenge of coaching the National team interest you?

A: Definitely, yes. But I am not interested in assignments of 10-day duration like the one I undertook as the Indian cricket manager in October 1991 for the Wills Trophy Championship at Sharjah. The audacity of some who criticised my role was unfair and unjust. It wasn't cricket. I would say the present assignment gives me more honour than the fleeting one with the Indian team. I can meaningfully give back something back to the game which has given me so much.

Q: Are there any things that you feel strongly about the Mumbai team?

A: Mumbai's success has largely been contributed by their batsmen. While there has been a steady supply of batsmen and medium-pacers, the same cannot be said about the spinners. Times have changed. Other teams in the country, too, have gained in strength. What we require is a team of all-round strength. The need for a talent search for spinners is imperative.

Q: A good percentage of international cricketers in the past are from Mumbai. However, not many are involved with the cricketing set-up. Would you be seeking their inputs?

A: Agreed, we in Mumbai possess some of the finest cricketing brains. If I don't make use of them I would be losing a lot of initiative. It would be my endeavour to check-up with them my performance, their assessments etc.

Q. Would you like to comment on your predecessor, Balwinder Singh Sandhu's tenure as Mumbai coach?

A: Ballu is a good student of the game who made remarkable forays in coaching. He would have emerged much more stronger after his stint with the Mumbai team. He was a great team-mate and I feel his exit could have been done with a little bit of grace.

THE MANKAD PLAN FOR MUMBAI CRICKET

1. Synergise energies towards specific goals.

2. Ensure mental toughness.

3. Create an atmosphere of confidence and pleasure.

4. Start a talent search for more spinners.

MANKAD ON TEAM COMPOSITION

I feel that there should be a consensus and proper communication in team selection between the selectors and the coach and captain. The coach and captain should be allowed to explain their needs and convince the selectors. Their opinions ought to be given proper weightage. It has to be other way round too. I will try to implement these things and elicit a similar response from the selectors.