Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
For cricket's sake
|
The RKS Cricket Academy helps shape the careers of young cricketers, writes RAYAN ROZARIO
|
STRAIGHT DRIVE: Young cricketers at the practice session of the academy. Pic: K. Ananthan.
IS CRICKET in the districts going to the dogs? The popular notion is that it's the district boys who labour, while the city boys reap the benefits. If that's the case, let it be. Instead of agonising over it, work the way the RKS Cricket Academy does.
Managed by the R. K. Sreerangammal Kalvi Nilayam Higher Secondary School (HSS) on Avanashi Road, the Academy has shaped the careers of cricketers who had represented the district, Combined Districts, Tamil Nadu State and University teams for nearly a decade.
The man behind the academy is former chairman of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) District Development Committee, Sivakumar. This erstwhile joint secretary of the Coimbatore District Cricket Association (CDCA) is still passionate about the game. "We will work, not for awards and rewards, but for the sheer love of the game," he says.
Started in 1996, the Academy, under the guidance of its Secretary and Captain, Vikram Senthil, a former State Under-19 star, had only a group of schoolboys in its formative days. Today, it has champions. Vikram has a wealth of experience and that's a big plus for the Academy.
Winning 'em all
The 2004-05 season saw the Academy boys comfortably win the first and third division league titles, without losing even a single match. Their victory trail did not end there. They also took home the under-15, 17 and the non-age category crowns.
Most top players in the district teams are from this Academy. How is it possible? "That's because of the disciplined and professional approach," Dr. Sivakumar states. He believes that the game should not be a financial burden to a player. Hence, the Academy provides playing kits, uniforms and playing allowances to its players. Outstanding performers in the league and inter school matches are also given on-the-spot cash awards.
A talented boy also gets the benefit of a free education from the institution. J. Sivakumar, a NIS coach, along with Aslam Sher Khan, who has played the Seniors Combined Districts, and S.D. Kannan, a former Ranji player, have all been instrumental in moulding the players over the years.
Coach Sivakumar, who is doing his Masters in Philosophy, is undertaking a study on cricketers' mental make-up. He is using his research experience to help the boys.
Besides regular coaching, the academy also concentrates on physical fitness and skill-based training.
The Academy has two fully covered nets with concrete wickets on the school premises. A turf wicket is also being laid and should be ready by the first week of June.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
|
