Ricky Ponting can be the best slip fielding coach for India: Matthew Hayden

Team India's poor catching in the slip cordon was exposed in the Kotla Test against Sri Lanka. Virat Kohli and Co were punished as Sri Lankan batsmen Angelo Matthews and skipper Dinesh Chandimal scored tons in the third Test and it could prove to be an Achilles heels in the upcoming series in South Africa starting from January 5. With teams appointing specialist coaches for every department - batting, fielding, bowling - and even physical trainers, dieticians, does the Indian team require a slip fielding coach?

Ricky Ponting

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden reckoned that, should the requirement arise, then his former teammate and skipper Ricky Ponting would suit the job the best. "The cricket world hasn't thought about a slip fielding coach, but if they need one, then it has to be Ricky Ponting. He was outstanding," Hayden told mid-day recently. The former Aussie opener felt that constant shuffling of slip fielders won't do good to the team. "One should not change fielders from their allotted positions. If Mr X stands regularly in the first slip area, he should be allowed to remain there only because in the process he will feels comfortable to stand in the same spot. "Ultimately, he will do personal adjustments to his fielding when he gets the opportunity to stand in the same position again," Hayden, a specialist close-in fielder, added.

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