Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada   

It's exam time for aspiring coaches

Staff Reporter

NCA conducts weeklong level I exam for 34 former State players

VIJAYAWADA: The weeklong level-I examination conducted by the National Cricket Academy for coaches at Visakhapatnam recently was an opportunity for 34 former players from Andhra Pradesh to take a close look at the art of coaching.

Former internationals Arshad Ayub, Lalchand Rajput and former Karnataka medium pacer Sanath Kumar interacted with the candidates by imparting them the basic lessons in bowling, batting and fielding during the morning session. All the candidates were put to practical tests in the evenings. "Coaching cricket is an art in itself and one has to be thorough with the basics to emerge as a successful coach, " said former Andhra skipper V. Vijayasaradhi, who was one of the participants.

Along with Mr. Vijayasaradhi, N. Madhukar, another player from Krishna district, took part in the camp. Prominent among others who attended the examination were Vidyut Jaisimha and former India women team's skipper Poornima Rao.

Eligibility

Mr. Madhukar, a former India-A player, said as per the rules, candidates who successfully passed out the Level-1 examination would be eligible for Level-II and Level-III examinations conducted by the NCA. "Level-I is for beginners. Level-III is the final exam to test the mettle of the future coaches," he explained. Along with theory and practicals concerning various aspects of the game, candidates were provided insight into aspects like nutrition and diet. The NCA had also given separate marks for the communication skills of the coaches, as it was bound to play a crucial part in the art of coaching. The cricketers who once dominated in the middle faced many tricky questions from players during the practical session.

"For example, a player questioned us how to slam a single hand six and whether it is proper to unleash a reverse sweep. The questions are primarily aimed at testing the character of the coach," Mr. Vijayasaradhi said.

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