Date:27/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/27/stories/2008082760312300.htm

Sport - Cricket

Buchanan on talent hunt

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: John Buchanan, coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, is prepared to dip into the Mumbai cricket talent pool for new faces.

Delhi and Kolkata are next destinations on the ex-Australian coach’s journey, as part of a plan to strengthen player base and develop fan following.

Depending on the quality of players short-listed by him over two-day sessions in each city, co-ordinated by Omtex Sports Academy, outstanding talent among the newcomers may be drafted into a KKR team touring Australia to train under the former Aussie national coach.

The Kolkata Knight Riders, sixth out of eight teams in the inaugural Indian Premier League, has got off the blocks early in preparation for the second edition.

Buchanan will assess 100 players short-listed on the first day of the two-day Mumbai selection trial at the Goregaon Sports Club, according to Joy Bhattacharya, CEO of the Kolkata IPL franchise.

“This exercise is aimed at showing that Knight Riders is not just about Kolkata. We are looking at giving opportunities to cricket talent all over India,” said Buchanan.

Dealing with Mendis

The KKR coach, referring to the first IPL edition as a learning experience for everyone, is looking forward to the challenge of making cricketers from different nations and different cultures play as one team.

Communicating with Ajantha Mendis, now a phenomenon in international cricket, was one of the many hurdles Buchanan tackled in the inaugural IPL.

The Sri Lankan spinner speaks only Sinhalese and was recommended by one of the franchise well-wishers.