The former Test cricketer, now secretary of the Karnataka State cricket Association, brings to his post of administrative manager, rich experience in man-management and administrative skills.

Patel, who nurtured and now manages a multi-crore business empire with diverse interests, is perhaps the best organised among former Indian cricketers.

It is a tribute to his organisational skills, meticulous planning and ability to build a team that the Karnataka cricketers led by him swept the KSCA elections late last year. After all, everybody expected C Nagaraj and company to rule the roost forever, especially as many of them had clung on to office for more than four decades. But Patel's systematic assault on Nagaraj's citadel was an eye-opener even for those who had known him for long. It instantly marked him as anadministrator to watch.

Further proof of his skills was the excellent conduct of the problematic India - Pakistan one-day final in Bangalore. Sure, KSCA made an unaudited profit of Rs 3 crore. But it was the quiet manner in which Patel handled the pressures of such an important match that impressed the discerning.

Not once during the hectic fortnight did he raise his voice, whatever the problem. Others from his team who lost their cool was asked to go home, rest and come back in a better frame of mind.

``We need to change attitudes,'' was his refrain.

Indeed, his transition from player to administrator is a success story that few sportsmen can emulate.

Sportsmen seldom make good administrators. Basically because they are so full of themselves, but also because they lack the humility to learn. In this context, it would not be wrong to state that Patel's foray into administration is a lesson not only to sportsmen but also administrators themselves.

Patel believes his role of administrative manageris only an extension of other managerial functions.

``The important thing is to get the team together. I am looking forward to building team spirit,'' he said on Tuesday evening. Most of the morning had been spent talking to the five National selectors.

``Bobby Simpson and Anshuman Gaekwad will look after the cricket aspect of the tour. I will chip in and help them whenever needed. I am looking forward to the assignment. The 21 days we get in England before the first World Cup match would be very useful to forge team spirit.''

Patel, who was administrative manager for the Sri Lanka tour, said the one-off Test provided few opportunities. ``You need a decent length of time to get to know the individuals,'' he said of that assignment.

Patel's exposure to English conditions is second to none. He was a member of the 1975 and 1979 World Cup squads. Earlier, he made his Test debut during the 1974 series there. In the '70s, he also played in the Huddersfield League in Yorkshire.

Patel was the manager of theIndia Under-16 team to England a few years ago. ``We had a number of talented players like Ajit Agarkar, Amit Pagnis, Nikhil Haldipur, SS Das, et al on that tour,'' he added.

``For the World Cup, with Sachin Tendulkar joining the team, we will have a strong squad. Anshu (Gaekwad) and I have played together and find it easy to interact. We will not have any problem with each other. Thus it would be easier to work on team spirit,'' he observed.

Indeed, it is team work that will contribute to India's fortunes. The fact that the Board has chosen as administrative manager a cricketer who jells well with Gaekwad, the cricket manager, is an acknowledgement that some work needs to be done in that area.

Patel's lucid thinking, his grasp of the game and his communication skills will come in handy on the long and challenging tour. It may well be the Board's best move thus far.