Chennai, May 13: Duncan Fletcher, taking over the coaching role from the highly rated Gary Kirsten, takes the pressure of leading the No. 1 team in the world in his stride. A man who would like to add value to the triumphant side, Fletcher feels he himself has a lot to learn about the game.

The coach who lifted the England team to success during his tenure finds the prospect of taking over the reins of an Indian side full of talent – old and new – incredibly exciting.

In an exclusive interview with bcci.tv, Fletcher talks about his predecessor Kirsten, captain MS Dhoni, the Australia challenge and more.

On taking over the coaching role when Team India are on a high

It’s going to be a difficult job and tough act to follow after what Gary [Kirsten] has done [winning the World Cup]. From the point of view of talent [in the side], it’s a very exciting prospect. The second thing is that most sides I’ve worked with, I’ve had to pull up. It will be interesting to see how I can deal with a side that is already in this [successful] position.

On continuing with the processes set in place by Kirsten

Yes, like I said [in the press conference], I wouldn’t want to make too many changes. The plan seems to be working for the team. I’d just like to make suggestions and add value in whatever way I can.

On being viewed primarily as a batting coach

That’s just how people view me as because sides generally have a bowling coach. Simon Jones [South African bowling coach] will surely have some good words to say about me. I work very closely with the bowling coach and don’t see [responsibilities in that area] as a problem. I’ve been talking to Eric Simons [India’s bowling coach] about the team.

On whether he has spent much time with captain MS Dhoni

I’ve studied his captaining style, because I have an interest in these kinds of things. When he toured South Africa, I had a chance to observe him. It’s a bit like when I took over as England coach – I had my first conversation with Nasser Hussain on the day I took over the role. I just had a little chat with [Dhoni] and found his ideas very interesting.

On the prospect of working with stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar

It’s great to be working with Tendulkar. Gary told me that he enjoyed chatting with him about the technical aspects of the game. It’s all about learning – you never stop learning [about the game]. Rahul Dravid too is incredible. And then the ODI side too has players who’ve been performing very well. I feel there’s so much to learn [about the game].

On striking a balance between the technical and man-management aspects of the job

Luckily, I’ve worked with different kinds of teams and cultures, so the man-management part should not be a problem.

On the Australia tour later in the year being of particular significance, considering India’s inability to win a series there so far

I feel if you look too far, you lose sight of what’s at hand. It’s a case of losing pounds over pennies. I’d like to concentrate on whatever the current tour might be. But I wouldn’t let [the series] too far out of sight. I understand the severity [of the need] of a win in Australia.

On the area he would like to work on with the side

Consistency. The level at which they’ve reached, they only need slight improvements – they can improve somewhere along the line on their weak areas. And the question is, are there any?