Kokinos exercises popularity at camp

Lauding the training methods of Kokinos, Azharuddin said "the players are enjoying the tough training system."

One had only to be presentat the MRF Pace Foundation for the past three days to witness the spontaneous response of the players. Kokinos only had to beckon them to come over for a particular exercise and off they would go. On other occasions, they themselves would go to Kokinos and tell him of a particular problem and the physio would promptly attend to it. The players willingly, even enthusiastically, underwent all the drills assigned to them. If Kokinos was determined to improve their physical fitness, the players were equally keen to improve this aspect.

The Greek-born Australian from Melbourne also was full of praise for the cricketers. "They are really keen and are ready to do any exercise or drill I tell them to do." He, however admitted, that his was a long term plan and the results would take time. "Certainly you won"t see results by the first Test. It’s too early. But by the end of the series I reckon you will start seeing some results."

Asked which aspect of the Indian players" physical conditioning he was payingparticular attention, Kokinos said "basically it is to improve their speed. That is why I am paying more attention and timing their running between wickets." Indeed, this is probably his most popular drill.