MS Dhoni started India’s fitness revolution, Virat Kohli took it to the next level: English coach Peter Wellings

If we talk about defining the new age sports coaching, the first name which comes around is Peter Wellings.

Former Middlesex cricketer Wellings played six First-Class matches with 378 runs at the average of 47.25. He has finished his ECB Level-3 certification, alongside Tom Moody and John Bracewell. And today, Wellings has coaching experience of almost three decades, having taught all around the world, in over 12 different countries including India, USA, France, South Africa, Australia, Uganda, Rwanda, Canada and of course, his home, the UK.

The 50-year-old came to India as a star attraction for the Push Academy of Excellence in Gurgaon & had a wonderful time with the kids and on their continuation, he expanded his association with the academy for a second trip.

Wellings was pleasantly surprised to see how Indian fitness transformed, thanks to the kind of role idols these kids look up to today.

For the model shifts, Wellings thought, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli as two Indian cricket’s excellent athletes.

“MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli changed the landscape of Indian fielding,” Wellings says in an exclusive chat. MS started the fielding revolution in Indian cricket, especially after England won a Test series 2-1 in India in 2012. England was much better in the field and Dhoni was really crossed because guys were stopping the ball with their feet and stuff. So he said ‘right, we’re going to change the culture.’

“And now just look how strong India has become. They’ve got the best white-ball batsman in the world; they have the best white-ball bowler in the world. And arguably, you’ve got the best fielder in the world in Ravindra Jadeja. He and Stokes are probably the two best in the world right now.” he added.

Wellings said he has witnessed cricket change drastically from the time of 1996-97. He also advised not to do a Copy-Paste technique and pointed up on the importance of players learning their own way.

“No two people in the world are the same, so we can’t expect batsmen to bat the same. There are hundreds of millions of cricketers in the world and nobody bats or bowls the same way. If you are naturally an unorthodox player, and you’re successful like a Steve Smith or a Jasprit Bumrah – they are the best in the world at what they do – then go ahead. In my view, Bumrah is the best bowler in the world and in Test cricket, Smith is the standout player, perhaps second to Don Bradman,” he added.

After Bumrah and Smith, Wellings holds in high regards is England’s wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler. Wellings said that the ability to kill the opponent with his softness makes him unusual in world cricket and according to him Kevin Pietersen changed English mentality.

“Jos Buttler is a maverick player and I would say before him Kevin Pietersen changed English mentality. The way he played the Australians – slog-sweeping Warne and coming down the wicket to Glenn McGrath, I would preach a willingness to accept unorthodoxy and not try and make everyone bat the same way,” Wellings says.

Another player in which he sees potential is England’s, Jason Roy. With England losing back-to-back games to Australia and Sri Lanka, they suddenly weren’t the favourites, but when Roy returned having recovered from a shoulder injury, his scores of 66, 60 and 85 against India, New Zealand and Australia turned things around for England.

“I think Jason Roy is right up there, perhaps one of the best white-ball batters in the world talent-wise. His ball-striking is just amazing. I’m sure the selectors must have looked at him and thought absolutely. We’ve tried all these different guys and he’s got more natural ability, so why not give him a go?” Wellings pointed out.

“England have always lacked, since Marcus Trescothick, an aggressive opening batsman, someone who puts the pressure back on the opposition, as Sehwag did for India. However, the wickets now are doing more than they used to. So in my mind, I feel the top three now just need to do your Jonathan Trott, Alastair Cook or Cheteshwar Pujara kind of stuff and see off the new ball. Then the greater depth of batting – which England are really good at – when the bowlers are tiring, can really be used to advantage.” he added.

While asked what advise would Wellings be willing to share with Roy?

He answered, “The one thing I would want Jason to do is probably play the ball a little bit late, and also in terms of driving in Test cricket, I would advise any player to drive within their eyeline. What top bowlers want you to do is drive towards covers early on. Look at James Vince; he’s a sensational talent, but he’s got himself out driving outside off a heck of a lot.”