I know I have had to be critical of a few players from time to time, but in each case they have responded very well. There are other times when a pat on the back and a word of encouragement is all that’s required. Every now and then, you have to speak sternly to someone, just to try and get them refocused on what they have to do.

• Have you ever encountered a clash of cultures during your stint? In India, there’s always a lot of sentiment attached to team selection, how have you handled that?

No differently from any time in the past. I think honesty is the best policy. You need to deal with the truth if you want to be successful at this level. You have to be honest with yourself, you have to be honest with your teammates. I think, as coach, I have to be honest with the players. I don’t know any other way, and that’s the way I am going to be. I think, so far, the players have understood that and have respected it.

• Are you happy with the selection process in India?

Since I have been here, the selection panel has been very helpful, very supportive. I think they have taken some tough decisions and some bold decisions in looking at youth, with time to develop players before the World Cup. I think Kiran More (chairman of selection panel) can take a lot of credit for that. His chairmanship has been bold and positive.

... contd.