The Andhra Pradesh Cricket Association (ACA) on Friday decided to hire a professional spinner, preferably a right-arm off spinner, for the next season, as Andhra will be playing in the ‘Elite’ format. “We have sought the help of professional spinners like Murali Karthik, L. Sivaramakrishnan and Venkataramana to hone the sills of our budding spinners. Once the deal is struck, they will be available for shorter stints,” ACA Director M.S.K. Prasad said.
He said difficult times were ahead for the Ranji team, as it will be facing determined teams. “We will have to tread a path full of thorns, not roses. The Andhra Ranji team will be facing talented teams like Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Delhi. Our players should be better equipped, both in technique and fitness,” felt ACA mentor Kinjal Suratwalla.
He also pointed to attitudinal problems of players. “Andhra players sulk very easily. They get into the shell when chips are down. Many lack self-belief,” he felt. Mr. Suratwalla said players should be taught how to fight back and find a place in the team after being dropped rather than slipping into depression.
The selectors also stressed the importance of using all resources (read players) offered to the team management. “There are three forms of first class cricket - four-day, one-day and T-20. Players selected should be used in any of the three formats to keep their morale high. For a talented player, moving around the team carrying the bag and not playing will be traumatic. This also sends a wrong signal,” the selectors felt.
The workshop brought to the fore the usefulness of documenting the process of selection. Mr. Prasad suggested that the selectors jot down their observations. “These observations will be handy for the administrators to assess a player’s career graph.
The inputs on players will be vital while taking corrective measures,” he added.
We have sought the help of professional spinners like Murali Karthik,
L. Sivaramakrishnan and Venkataramana to hone the sills of our budding spinners. Once the deal is struck, they will be available for shorter stints.
M.S.K. Prasad
ACA Director
