Champion Stuff

New Zealand coach David Trist feels Dhoni's men have enough firepower to pip the Kiwis in their own backyard

Suhrid Barua, Pune Mirror, February 22, 2009

David Trist has achieved a fair amount of success during his stint as New Zealand coach - the big one being guiding the Black Caps to glory in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy in Nairobi.So when a man of his coaching pedigree talks, one is only overwhelmed with rapt attention. With the upcoming India's tour of New Zealand round the corner, the confabulation had to veer towards the much-awaited series.
The 2002-03 tour of New Zealand was a disaster for Team India where the conditions were heavily loaded in favour of the home side. Ask Trist and he feels the scenario will be different this time around. "Nobody seems to talk about the fact that India toured New Zealand in 2002-03 during the early part of the season (in December-January). Remember, this time the team is playing most of the games in March where the summer is at its best," observed Trist, who is also the head coach of the Cadence Cricket Academy in Mundhwa.
The former Canterbury seamer believes Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men have a lot of self-belief going for them and he has no doubts that India would start as favourites. "This is a 'progressive' Indian team. I feel the Indian team over the years were susceptible on bouncy tracks and hostile crowds overseas, but not any more. I always reckon that you are as good as your weakling and this Indian team doesn't seem to have any weakling. I am putting my serious money on India," Trist spoke highly about the Indian team.
So would the Indian team be caught unawares if they are presented with green tops to play on? "I don't think so. I expect the conditions to be consistent and fair and I also know that this Indian team has the firepower in their batting and bowling to outsmart New Zealand no matter whatever the hosts throw at them," Trist puts things in perspective.
The 61-year-old New Zealand, who also served as coach of Netherlands, says the emergence of India as a potent force in world cricket bodes well for the game. "It's great to see the passion people have for this game in India. India is the engine room through which cricket is taking bigger strides all across the globe both in terms of development of the game and also money flowing into the sport."