Coach John Wright has asked members of the Indian cricket team to put the country above self-interest as the side prepares to start a packed new season, commencing with a Test series against New Zealand at home from October 8.
"Fans and people of India deserve a team that fights. Winning and losing is part of the game. It's how you win and how you lose. The team must always play as a team and fight," Wright said at a function in Bangalore on Tuesday night.
India are set to play two Tests at home against New Zealand, followed by a tri-nation series also involving world champions Australia as the third team.
They will then tour Australia, where the team will play four Tests and also participate in a triangular one-day tournament.
"We are trying to establish that. First everyone understands that the team is the important thing. Team is more important than you. Team comes first. You yourself is not important," he said after releasing a CD, titled "Stretching for a splendid spine" by noted Yoga exponent Dr S N Omkar, who had conducted daily yoga classes for Indian cricket team probables during the recent camp at Bangalore.
Wright, who was responding to a question posed by a member of the audience, said though the Indian team comprised players from different parts of the country and support staff from abroad, every one has a common goal.
"Our role and that of players, particularly senior players, is to make everyone understand and accept that because of the team, they are representing the country. Team is more important then individuals," he said.
"It does not matter where you come from... your background... what to eat... what your religion is. You should put your efforts totally into the team effort," stressed Wright, a former New Zealand captain.
Physical trainer Gregory Allen King, also present on the occasion, said: "Yoga has lot of benefits and it's great to start physical training with it.
"If one practice it, injuries could be minimised."
Physiotherapist Andrew Leipus said, "Yoga can contribute in matters of strength, power and agility depending on how one uses it."
Medium pacer Venkatesh Prasad recalled how he could come out of a nagging neck problem after he started practising yoga.
