CHANDIGARH.

Oct 10: Kapil Dev Nikhanj, the new coach of India, looks fitter than many of his boys. His presence has already bucked up the morale of the cricketers in the Indian tent.

"I am not a coach." is the first thing that he says to Sakyasen Mittra on Saturday. "I am like a big brother to the members of the team. I am here to help them out with the little deficiencies that might creep into their game. I do not have the attitude of bossing around as those who are representing the country are a very good lot."

Talking about his new Job that has just been started. Kapil said. "I have Just started mixing with the team members. To understand them, to think on their line will take some more times and then on my real work will start.

"However, I have been stressing on the fitness aspect and the importance of enjoying the Same. If you do not enjoy, then rere is no point playing. I have made that aspect very clear. I will be just there to guide them."

The world’s highest Test wicket-taker was also quick to point out that he would insist on playing positive cricket. "It Is up to the cricketers to keep Test cricket alive. That is the real game. And I expect the’New

Zealanders also to play with a positive attitude during the series. If there are results Test cricket will get a new lease of life. I would go for a result in all the matches.1

When asked whether the Indians were always under pressure while playing at home. Kapil replied, "Pressure Is good. It brings out the best In you.

"If you play for your country, then you have to play under tough situations. Otherwise, you should go and play domestic

cricket. If there is no pressure then the fun of playing disappears. 1 have always enjoyed it."

He also appeared a bit apologetic at not being able to announce the team beforehand. "In future. I personally will see to it so that you get the 11 names well before the match. However, this being the first Test, f will not really be able to do much as the selectors are arriving late in the evening."

He also praised the younger lot of cricketers that has recently-burst Into the scene. "I would not mention name anybody in particular. However, the way some of the youngsters have played Is a good omen for the game in this country. Talking about the strategies against New Zealand. Kapil was frank enough to admit tnat he hasn’t seen much of them. "Look 1 have seen a few of their matches when they last played against England. So 1 will have to depend on the information that I get from my teammates’.

Chandigarh was the place where life began for Kapil Dev. He grew up in this city, took his 300th wicket here and now is making his debut as a coach.

"It feels very good to embark on a new adventure here. The smell of the air is familiar. I Just wish that I could wear my whites and get Into the ground." said the former Indian captain.