Aussie Test veteran welcomed return to cricket after his 'code switch' with GWS
Katich benefits from IPL coaching gig
Simon Katich says his first coaching stint was enjoyable, informative and if another coaching gig came his way, he would seriously consider it.
Katich spent the last two months in the IPL with the Kolkata Knight Riders as an assistant coach to Jacques Kallis and played a crucial role in guiding the Knight Riders into the IPL play-offs.
IPL 2016 was the first time Katich had reassociated with cricket since he retired from all formats of the game in February 2014.
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For the past two years Katich had worked as a 'runner' for the GWS Giants in the AFL. While he enjoyed his role at the club, the chance of reuniting with cricket in a 'hands-on' position was too good to turn down.
"My role at the Giants was a role that was different, and I had a young family so I wanted to stay at home," Katich told cricket.com.au.
"This (KKR opportunity) came about by chance so I was quick to seize it. Working on the premier T20 competition in the world, it was too good of an opportunity to knock back.
"I spoke to the owners and captain, Gautam Gambhir, and they wanted to have me on board."
One of the most pleasing aspects of coaching for Katich was the time he spent fine-tuning techniques and discussing the mental application needed to succeed in the T20 format.
While critics feel T20 is simply a power-oriented game that lacks any intense preparations, Katich is of the opinion that planning is equally vital in the shortest format of the game.
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"T20 is still a very strategic game and you need to constantly ahead of the situation," he said. "The batsman will see the field that has been set. It gives you a fair idea of where the ball is going to be bowled but if the bowler tries the unexpected then your mind should still be in a state to adjust and be clear on a particular shot.
"This is what we practice day in and day out. It is about having a strong mindset but still playing instinctively.
"The bowler dictates where the ball is going to be bowled and the batsmen have to react. The best in the game, such as AB de Villiers, are always one step ahead of the bowler and that puts the doubt into the bowler's mind.
"It sounds easy but when you have different thoughts in your mind, it can be challenging. As a coach it's our job to clear that mind."
Katich was grateful to head coach Kallis for giving him a licence to speak to any player about his game. With most senior members having their routines worked out, the opportunity to work with some of the young players was an experience Katich relished.
Chris Lynn was one player who worked closely with Katich over the past two months and the Queenslander felt Katich was a "natural" coach.
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"He was definitely not shy despite the coaching role being his first," Lynn told cricket.com.au. "Right from the outset he was in the nets throwing balls and working with players from different ages. "Even in his first team meeting, he was not afraid to speak up and I think we all knew he really belonged as a coach.
"He is a hard worker and his knowledge about batting is incredible. He told me about making minor adjustments to different bowlers and why it may help with my game.
He is also great at mentoring the young guys and because he has captained T20 teams in the past it has probably helped his transition from a player into a coach."
Katich never got a chance to captain Australia but many players who were alongside him believed he would have been an inspirational leader and fine strategist if he had been selected to fill that role.
A veteran of 56 Tests and scorer of 10 hundreds, he had successful stints as captain of the New South Wales team that won the inaugural Champions League T20 in 2009, while he was also the captain of Perth Scorchers when they won the KFC Big Bash in 2013-14.
Following an enjoyable IPL stint, Katich is hopeful another opening is around the corner. This, he says, was just a small step in the right direction.
"Never say never," he said. "If other opportunities pop up then who knows? But at this point of time I've had a taste of it and I genuinely enjoyed every moment."