Dilip Vengsarkar has scored runs in plenty for India, has been an able talent spotter for the BCCI and is now a busy cricket administrator.
Not many, however, know that this former Indian batting great runs three cricket coaching academies absolutely free of cost for the emerging cricketers.
Here to watch Mumbai play in the Kalpathi-AGS Buchi Babu final, Vengsarkar, Mumbai Cricket Association’s vice-president, told The Hindu here on Monday, “Yes, I run three cricket academies, two in Mumbai and one in Pune free for the young cricketers. And the selection is done only on merit.” Asked how he generated funds for these coaching schools in the absence of a fee, Vengsarkar replied, “The money comes from a trust, my friends make donations for a good cause and the Maharashtra Government has given me land on a long lease.”
The former India captain then dwelt on the Indian cricket team. He was happy with the manner Ishant Sharma, his find, has been performing in Sri Lanka. “He has been bowling at good speeds, hitting the good length often and getting bounce because of his height and action.”
Bowlers win Test matches and Vengsarkar felt off-spinner R. Ashwin and leg-spinner Amit Mishra had been combining capably in the series.
“Ashwin is getting his off-spinners to really turn and it has made a big difference. I always believed Mishra was a good bowler. The ability was there, perhaps he is more confident now,” he said.
Asked about Ajinkya Rahane batting at No. 3, Vengsarkar said, “These decisions are best left to the team-management. They are closest to the players. They look at it from a team’s perspective.”
He was pleased with Cheteshwar Pujara’s combative unbeaten ton on a seaming track in the third Test. “I think he displayed excellent technique on this pitch. On a surface where every run counts, the quality of the innings goes up.”
On Rohit Sharma failing to convert his starts into big innings, Vengsarkar felt, “He has the talent. “He should kick on after doing all the hard work. It boils down to shot selection.”
Queried about the Indian batsmen’s problems against spin, he said, “There are times when you need to grind it out, fight your way in the middle. Runs cannot be made easily all the time. Playing too many shots could be a reason.”
Speaking on the Virat Kohli-led Indian team’s mantra of aggression, Vengsarkar said, “I would play to win but if I see some danger, I would shut shop and settle for a draw. You have to be judicious with your aggression.”
Sharing his thoughts on the five-bowler theory, Vengsarlar said, “In that scenario, one of your bowlers should be able to bat well. I think Stuart Binny has done a good job in this Test.”
