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Where coaching gives contentment
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Robin Singh and W.V. Raman, former Indian cricketers, are on a different mission — training youngsters at The National Cricket Academy under-19 South Zone camp, which is on in the city.
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Former Indian cricketers Robin Singh and W.V.Raman giving some tips to a boy from the National Cricket Academy in Chennai recently. Pic. by N.Balaji.
THE SUN beats down relentlessly and it's only 8.30 a.m. But then, this is May, a period when the temperature soars in Chennai.
There is a sense of stillness at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, the stands sporting an empty look, the huge concrete structures appearing even bigger in the absence of people.
The silence is only broken by the occasional shouts of encouragement drifting across from the nets. Yes, a group of promising boys, guided by two men, are sweating it out in the morning heat.
The National Cricket Academy (NCA) under-19 South Zone camp is on. Under the watchful eyes of Robin Singh and W.V. Raman, former Indian cricketers, both with the experience of leading Tamil Nadu and South Zone.
This is a different challenge for Robin and Raman. "It gives you so much satisfaction when you see the youngsters picking up new things that you tell them," says Robin. "They have to learn in double quick time to make the transition to the senior ranks," observes Raman.
Both are firm in their opinion that the aspirants have to be strong in the fundamentals. "They have to improve on the basics. Then they can build on the other aspects," notes Robin. "In batting defence is the key. All the shots, except the horizontal bat ones, are an extension of the defence," opines Raman.
Robin, who was the coach of the India under-19 side that toured England last summer, lays much emphasis on fitness, an area where he still sets an example. "The boys have to work on their fitness, if they want to survive. There is no doubt about that."
Zeroing in on fielding, Robin throws light on little aspects that can often make a crucial difference. "If you are quick on the ball, you do not need to dive. Fielding is all about anticipation, reading the batsman, the situation and the bowler. Most of the boys these days have a good throw from the deep. But they need to hit the stumps from the circle. And they have to release the ball quickly."
Dwelling on running between the wickets, Robin stresses the importance of judging a single and `turning' after completing a run and taking off for another. "Spotting and determining a run is extremely important. Then, if you are quick on the turn, you give the fielder less time. This is where a batsman saves time. But when the situation becomes tense, this is easier said than done."
Raman believes the lads have to be mentally strong to stand the test. "I have always said mental attributes hold the key. A cricketer has to drive away negative thoughts." Going back to the fundamentals, Raman recalls his days as a junior cricketer in one of Hemu Adhikari's summer camps. "He would make us go through rigorous drills, practising various strokes. It was backbreaking, but it stood us in good stead. If a cricketer is not sound in the basics, it will affect him somewhere down the line as he graduates to a higher level."
The former India southpaw, noted for his elegance and timing, feels the youngsters must play more duration games if they desired to develop their skills. "Too much of their focus is on limited overs cricket. They need to change that."
As many as 20 budding cricketers from South Zone are taking part in the six-week camp (it began on April 21) that also has former India left-armer Raghuram Bhat teaching the aspirants spin bowling.
India under-19 captain A.T. Rayudu would have been in Chennai, but for an injury. Robin has words of praise for Rayudu. "He is a real talent. It would have been nice had he been here. I was in England as coach when he played exceptionally well in the under-19 contests. He is a very good player for his age."
Like Raman, Robin is of the view that the boys would grow as cricketers if they took part in more three-day and four-day games. "They have to learn to concentrate. Even in fielding, if you see now, the boys have to work on their close-in catching. That has been neglected, to an extent."
Training his attention on bowling, Robin notes that the youngsters would have to adapt quickly to the needs of the team and the situation. "At this stage, they have to get the basics right, like the grip, the action, the line and the length. But they should also learn how to bowl according to the situation. Like a batsman, who needs to know when to attack and when to defend, not just the right grip and the stance. That is something they have to grasp quickly."
At the camp, `match-like' routines are not uncommon. Says Robin, "The batsmen are given a specific target, in say six overs, different fields are set and they have to respond to the challenge. At this age, they have a tendency to play in only one way. That has to change. Here, the pressure is always on the bowlers to pick wickets. The point is they have to be positive in their approach and attitude."
Both Robin and Raman admit that the boys of this generation are a lot more fortunate than the youngsters of their time. "These days they can watch videos of their training and that was very rare when we were young. Now, they receive much more recognition in the media for their performances as junior cricketers and their thinking process has broadened," says Raman.
The cricketers at the NCA's Chennai camp have Basu and Hamsraj as the fitness trainer and physio respectively, D.V. Sridhar imparts yoga, and Radhika takes care of the diet. Every aspect of their training is looked after with much care.
Precisely why Robin feels the youngsters of today are a touch more confident. "The fear of losing their place is less among these boys, because of a support system that is better."
Coaching gives both these cricketers loads of satisfaction. "It is nice to give something back to the game. Cricket is everything to me, and I am constructively involved in the game," says Robin.
The two are reluctant to name bright youngsters from the camp. "That would not be fair at this stage. If they are really good, their performances will speak for them," states Raman.
S. DINAKAR
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