Be nice to Symonds, says Robin

Robin, however, hopes that the crowd would embrace the duo and greet them with the same warmth bestowed on their Indian counterparts.”I would definitely ask the people to treat them well. After all, we are popularising the game, particularly this form of cricket. I think they should be given the same treatment,” he said. He also dismissed the view that both Symonds and Gilchrist would be under pressure once they arrive here.

“Absolutely not. These guys are thorough professionals. They have won a huge sum of money from the bid and there is no doubt about their motivation levels. I also had a long discussion with them,” he said.

The former all-rounder hoped IPL would throw up new stars and on the personal front, he said he was looking forward to coaching the Hyderabad side. “It is a great opportunity for me. I have been involved with Indian cricket for long. From the international point of view, this is the second time that I will be coaching. Earlier, I have done it in the Asian Cricket Council, even though the standards was different, Robin said.

“It helps your thinking and wide range of other aspects. It definitely helps to improve your knowledge much better. Your thinking patterns change a bit and your experience will also allow you to do that,” he said.

Talking about the Hyderabad side, Robin said it was a balanced team, even though they might need an additional pacer.

“Ours is a very good fielding side and a top batting side. Maybe we require an extra fast bowler. We have quality spinners in Shahid Afridi, Symonds and Pragyan Ohja. In the bowling department, R P Singh and Chaminda Vaas are there. We have roped in Sanjay Bangar too and we will use him as well”, he said.