Coach Greg Chappell has admitted that the Indian team was hurt by the sharp criticism back home, but insisted that his policy of bringing young talent into the side was the key to improvement.
"Nobody likes being criticised and we are no different, and the boys are keen to perform to a level which would make the press and the fans back home happy," the Australian said during the team's intensive practice session at the nets in Kingsmead ahead of the second one-dayer against South Africa.
Chappell said that bringing in new blood and infusing the team with fresh talent was the key for India's improvement in the field. He cited the example of a particular spell in Australian cricket when they struggled to find genuine talents for nine years.
"It is important that youngsters such as Ramesh Powar, Sreesanth, Munaf Patel or Suresh Raina were given as much chance as possible for their talent to come through," he said.
The batting legend bemoaned the weather interruptions which had held up his team from gaining rhythm and confidence in the lead up to next year's World Cup in the Caribbean.
"The last few months have been frustrating because of interruptions by rains and only six of the last 13 games have been free from such hold-ups. Hopefully, from now until the next World Cup, the boys would be able to acquire as much momentum and confidence as possible," Chappell said on Monday.
However, the dark background here because of looming black clouds spelt out the possibility of rain after the first one-day international against the hosts in Johannesburg was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
After a delayed flight, the Indians still managed a decent enough workout in the evening and Chappell was very pleased with the effort the boys had put in.
"I am extremely delighted by the effort the boys have put in. Sooner than later this spirit and effort would be shown in the field."
The interruptions, though, were not without their positive fallout and one of them was that opener Virender Sehwag got an extra few days to recover from his injured right ring finger.
"It would give Veeru some few more days to recover from his injury. Some stitches have come off and some are still there, the finger too is sore but he would be alright for Wednesday's game," the coach said.
Chappell also dropped the hint that Anil Kumble might not play in every game on the tour but his contribution on or off the field was going to be vital for the group.
"Kumble is going to play a major role for the group, both in or out of the eleven. He might not play in all the games but we would not mind fielding both the spinners in case the situation demands so."
