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A great opportunity for youngsters: Srikkanth

PHOTO: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

With great pride:National cricket selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth takes time to sign an autograph or two for the young cricketers at the inauguration of the cricket academy at the RVS College of Arts and Science in the city on Tuesday. K. Senthil Ganesh (right), Managing Trustee of RVS Educational Trust, is in the picture. —

Coimbatore: India's former dashing opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth came up with yet another cameo knock, for a change in pep talk, while inaugurating the newly-formed cricket academy at the RVS College of Arts and Science here on Tuesday.

“It is a very strange thing to have happened in my life. I met K. Senthil Ganesh (Managing Trustee of RVS Educational Trust and brain behind the academy) in Dindigul about six months ago and told him that there is a vast pool of talent available in the districts. I don't know whether he took my advice seriously and came up with this great initiative,” said the former captain in a lighter vein.

“But, I must admit it is a fantastic idea. I am all the more happy to inaugurate it because I was told it is going to be free. There are lots of talented cricketers out here and I am sure they are all going to benefit in a big way,” added Mr. Srikkanth.

Mr. Srikkanth, who is also the chairman of the national selection committee, made a special mention of the young Aushik Srinivas from Coimbatore, who represented Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy. “Aushik was only 16 when he made his Ranji debut.

In fact, a majority of the players representing the State are from the districts. I have told the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) as well that I need to focus on the districts because of its enormous potential. And, it's going to be an ongoing process.”

He told the students to make the best use of the opportunity. “You can take the horse to the pond but you cannot make it drink. Mr. Senthil has provided you with this great opportunity. It is for you to utilise it in the best possible manner.”

He said the boys need a bit of pep talk now and then. “It sure motivates them. I was inspired by one such talk by S. Venkatraghavan (former India cricketer). In fact, cricket has taught me to balance life.”

“It is not just about playing cricket. One must also have sincerity, discipline, dedication and determination. If you have all these then things will automatically fall in place,” he added.

Straight and safe

However, the aggressive cricketer played it straight and safe when it came to answering queries on selection and match-fixing issues.

About the academy, it will cater to the demands of the players in and around the city. “We will focus on the under-14 and under-16 age group boys. Initially, we will rope in about 20 in each category, on a first-come first-serve basis. We have also short-listed four coaches, two each in Coimbatore and Chennai, for training them,” said Mr. Senthil, who is also the honorary vice-president of the Dindigul District Cricket Association.

He said the selection process for the academy will begin next month. “We have a wide network of schools. We have reached out to them regarding the selections. It is only a matter of time before the academy goes full swing.”

The Academy will have two nets and a football size ground, which will act as the play area. “It takes a long time to perfect one's skills at the nets. And, the play area is quite sufficient for the time being. If need be, we will extend it in the years to come,” he added.

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