When pointed out that one was able to see changes in the fielding methods and that many players had given him credit for it, Robin said it was good to get credit from the players as they were the ones to put into action what they learnt.

"They are telling the truth and that is important. Secondly, they must be enjoying. I must accept the appreciation of the players. Batting, bowling and fielding is the key to success and I am happy working with players and see success follow success," he said at Chennai domestic airport here.

The former India player said he focussed on total fitness and body and mind coordination while honing players' skills for Tests, one-dayers and Twenty20 format.

"I attended to each player, improving his speed levels in running to gather the ball, picking it up from the ground and throwing back to both ends for run-out chances. Players were told how they could target the stump from every position in the field," he said.

"We wanted to get both (fielding and fitness) together. There were separate schedules and general fitness levels. Fitness of a player as a cricketer as also preparing them for fielding... Agility and speed and everthing that goes with fielding, fitness accuracy and sharp turns were taken into account," he added.

Robin said he had set a benchmark for each player and once they achieved it, they moved to higher levels. "With the really good players, we discussed and decided as to how they can improve in other areas."

Asked if he was fully happy with the fitness and fielding levels of the players, Robin said there was always scope for improvement.

"The standards have certainly improved since I joined them. I hope and, in fact, am sure, that there will be further success in the fielding and fitness levels.

"The goal is to make our players on a par with everybody, including Australia."

Asked if his experience as coach of the Hong Kong six-a-side tournament had come in handy for the Twenty-20 format, he said, "There were similarities. In Twenty-20 one has to think very fast, implement his decision and back it up. My job was to coordinate with players on these issues."

Asked whether he relied on his experiences as a former player or if he had undergone any special course, Robin said it was his experience which counted, though he had attended coaching programmes abroad after retiring from tests and one-day cricket.

"Coaching programmes do not help achieve cent per cent success. Your experience is what counts. The courses definitely help enhance what one is doing." (Agencies)