Indians keen to benefit from Webster touch

Jaipur: Sports psychologist Rudi Webster is attempting to transform the Indian team into a winning unit.

Webster was at the Rajasthan cricket academy yesterday closely watching the Indian team practice ahead of their match against England on Sunday.

He had earlier interacted with the Indian players in the West Indies, but only for a few days.

The Barbados-born psychologist has played in 70 first class matches and has represented Scotland, Otago and Warwickshire.

Expressing delight at his assignment with the men in blue, he remarked: "I enjoyed working with the Indians in West Indies. This is my first visit to India and I'm happy that I would be working with them for a longer period this time."

Greg Chappell too praised the presence of Webster. "Rudi has an excellent track record of working not only with cricketers but also with top athletes and golfers. I too have benefited from him during my playing days," said the Indian coach.

Echoing is opinion was Indian batsman Virender Sehwag, a Webster fan.

"He has changed my mindset towards the game. It has helped me a lot and boosted my confidence," he said. The vice-captain also said that he took notes when Webster spoke and referred to it on numerous occasions.

It has Webster's advice to him that our subconscious mind makes one play pre-planned shots. "One ball at a time is what he asked to tell myself before facing every ball," Sehwag said.