India's newly appointed bowling consultant Eric Simons on Tuesday made it clear that the six-week tenure given to him by the BCCI was too short a period to make an impact but said he would look to leave "ideas" which can benefit the team in the long run.
The South African also hinted that he would be open to continue the association with the BCCI if the latter deems it fit after his initial engagement with the team.
"My job is just for six weeks. Two series is very short time and not enough to make impact on the players. After my stint if a bowler says I have helped him in some way, helped him with ideas, I would be happy," he said.
Simons was addressing his first press conference after his appointment as India's bowling consultant for the two Tests against Bangladesh and the subsequent home series against South Africa.
"I don't know if I will continue longer or be associated in a cricket academy or any other job. I have to sit with the management to understand the vision forward. I am sure they are looking at someone for the long term. If my association (with BCCI) is a bit longer I can think of other things," he said.
Commenting on loss of form of bowlers like Ishant Sharma, who though made it to the playing XI, Simons said, "We sometimes ask bowlers to do something that he is not comfortable with. For example, it's not easy for a bowler who bowls big in-swingers to bowl the one that goes other way."
"I have had a chat with Ishant and I know he wants to be more successful. I thought he bowled brilliantly this morning though ended up with just one wicket," Simons said.
"I have seen a few seamers. I saw (Abhimanyu) Mithun bowl for Karnataka who seemed a good prospect. I am sure there are other talents out there."
Simons, who was South Africa coach between 2002 and 2004, said he was looking forward to a collective effort to shape up the Indian bowling attack to a top-class match winning unit.
"I have just started interacting with the players. I have been with the team only for three days here. I will let this Test match run and then sit together with the boys. It would be arrogant to come in and tell the bowlers how and where to bowl," he said.
"But I think there are certain things which can be done differently to get the results. The boys are a talented lot. My job is to do things differently on tactical front, to boost fitness and confidence."
"I want to work with the seniors. They have certain ideas with them that can be combined with my experience. My effort is to find a solution collectively. Its not that I am going to impose anything," the 47-year-old said.
Asked about former Australian captain Ian Chappell's remarks that India don't have quality bowlers to maintain the World No 1 status in Test cricket, Simons said, "There are lots of opinions in the cricketing world. India have become No 1 no doubt because of the bowlers also. They have become World No 1 and why should they not maintain it?"
"I have felt they could have bowled better. But they have pulled it back really well. I might have ideas on the tactical side how they can help. May be it's a lack of confidence after the One-day games," he said.
When asked about working with coach, compatriot Gary Kirsten, Simons said, "Knowing Kirsten is vital for me, especially considering my short stint. He is not arrogant and does not impose things on the players. I believe he has done a great job."
