How Do Kohli, Pandey, and Agarwal Stand as India’s Best Fielders, According to RCB Coach?

Bengaluru, May 20 (NationPress) As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secure their spot in the playoffs of the Indian Premier League 2025, fielding coach Richard Halsall emphasizes the crucial role of fielding in determining outcomes in modern cricket.

Halsall, affectionately known as ‘Stick’ by the RCB team, stated, “Fielding is the aspect of the game that receives the least attention. Yet, in today’s T20 cricket, there are minimal opportunities to hide. It’s essential to minimize that moment of fear or panic when the ball approaches and execute your skills. This ability is honed through dedicated practice.”

Among the elite fielders he has collaborated with, Halsall highlights Andrew Flintoff and Paul Collingwood, as well as Indian players like Virat Kohli, Manish Pandey, and Mayank Agarwal. He remarked, “Each of them has unique strengths, but they all share a passion for fielding. That’s what I value.”

When queried about the fielder who transformed his perspective on the game, Halsall responded, “Viv Richards. His mere presence on the cricket field was extraordinary. Witnessing him in a World Cup final, running out Australians, was phenomenal.”

His coaching philosophy centers on flexibility and support. He noted, “If someone needs a thrower, I can assist. If they require help with bowling or analysis, I can contribute. Perhaps not as proficiently as ‘Malo’, DK, or Andy, but I can empathize and aid them in enhancing their skills. That’s my forte.”

Reflecting on the evolution of fielding over the years, he said, “The most significant change has been the increase in physicality. Exceptional fielders are a product of this. Players now take pride in influencing games and emulate outstanding athletes from various sports to leave their mark.”

This mindset is what he has endeavored to cultivate throughout his career, employing both innovative techniques and intent. He shared, “I’m uncertain if I was the pioneer in utilizing a bowling machine for fielding drills, but I observed it in hockey, where it was used to simulate the power required for goalkeepers. In cricket, we had individuals throwing at 80 miles per hour and deflecting balls at slip. That was fantastic, but how many possess that ability? The machine could replicate it consistently. This allowed me to demonstrate more effectively and realistically.”

His journey into coaching has been rather unconventional. Born in Zimbabwe, Halsall was a competent cricketer who later became a teacher. An opportunity to study at Cambridge changed his trajectory. A visit home for his brother’s wedding led to a serendipitous meeting with Andy Flower and an invitation to participate in a Zimbabwe training session.

It is this meticulous attention to detail and creativity that has garnered him the confidence of both players and coaches. Mo Bobat, RCB’s Director of Cricket, stated that Halsall brings both dependability and challenge to the framework. “He’s a crucial ally for Andy (Flower). They’ve collaborated globally. One of Andy’s strengths is surrounding himself with individuals who enhance his thinking, not just agree with him. Richard excels in that regard.”

Beyond the drills or machines, Halsall’s true strength lies in his genuine concern for those he coaches. Bobat remarked, “He genuinely cares, like a dedicated teacher invested in their students. Players sense that. He’s inventive, unorthodox, and willing to challenge the norm.”