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Photo S.S. Kumar

Spotting talent Former Indian Coach Greg Chappel

“The Indian Premier League presents huge opportunities for both domestic and international cricketers. It exposes the players to different conditions and at the same time creates plenty of chances for them to showcase their talent,” said Greg Chappell, former Indian team coach and now with the Cricket Star Academy (Jaipur).

The former Aussie captain and India coach was in Hyderabad as part of the talent scouting scheme under the Cricket Star Twenty-20 programme for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Chappell reminded that the skill sets remained the same for both forms of cricket – shorter version and test cricket.

“I believe that emphasis on Twenty-20 will also see emergence of better players in test cricket. We will be making a big mistake if only we look for Twenty-20 players,” he explained.

Was Chappell surprised by the emergence of IPL? “Well, to some extent yes. But it seemed to be on the cards as the game is becoming fast paced now, even in test cricket. This is one format which will test the flexibility, athleticism and confidence of any cricketer,” he added.

“Some good things are bound to happen from the IPL. And, there will be also a period of critical review,” he said.

Chappell said that he was pleased with the abundance of talent across India and termed it as a rare occurrence.

“We have picked three boys from Hyderabad – batsmen P. Akshath Reddy, B. Yathin Reddy and left-arm spinner Mir Syed Ali – to be trained for 10 days at Cricket Star Academy with the objective of making them ready for the next IPL season,” he pointed out.

The former Australian cricketer said that his efforts at spotting talent were part of a long term objective to unearth potential.

“You cannot find finished products in any sport. All we were looking at in these selection trials was to find cricketers who can respond under pressure, have excellent hand-eye coordination and more importantly have the ability express their talent,” he explained.

Commenting on what exactly he is looking for from players in the Twenty-20 format, Chappell remarked that no coach would like to see a bowler trying to warm up for three overs when he will be getting only four to bowl. Or similarly, a batsman taking a few overs to settle in.

“We are essentially looking for extraordinary cricketers. No doubt, there will be lots of pressure on those selected. But thanks to Ian Fraser’s programme to develop the cricketers physically, mentally and emotionally, they will be ready for any challenge,” he said.

“Our effort at the Rajasthan Academy is a long term process to groom talent. If we spot some more beyond this programme, we will definitely have a look at them over the next six months,” Chappell concluded.

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