Antigua: West Indian fast bowling legend Andy Roberts is baffled as to why young Indian pacers suddenly lose speed after showing early promise and start "spinning the ball", pointing out Munaf Patel as the most recent example.
"When Munaf Patel came here in 2006, he had some pace," said Roberts wryly, "Now he is spinning the ball!"
Roberts was speaking from his experience of having worked with Irfan Pathan briefly during the 2006 tour by the Indians after the then coach Greg Chappell requested him to look at the left-arm seamer`s problems.
"You have to remember this happens only once they make it to international stage. May be they are better off without these coaches.
"These coaches turn you into line-and-length bowler. Not what you naturally are. These boys then lose their ability.