This deserves a longer post and I will get back to it but I cannot not celebrate this today - it was fascinating cricket - some of the most absorbing I have seen in years. And to see it played in all innocence with fresh faces full of intent (not the 'we have a good game and we have bad games' types but 'we will make this count - today' types). Luckily I watched a lot of the MP and Bengal game and have been hooked since then.
What struck me first up was the balance in the bowling side - without any big names but for Kumar Kartikeya who played the IPL - seamers Anubhav (I think) and the indefatigable Yadav, offie Saransh, and leftie Sahani and how with limited resources they kept pegging away and kept knocking over the young Mumbai side. I loved the way their skipper Aditya Srivastava remains calm and unflappable in any situation - and there's a big difference between his lack of emotion and Prithvi Shaw's - where Aditya's is full of intent and holding the energy, Prithvi's bordered on the apathetic. No words, no plans, no holding of the energy. Where it was clear that every one in the MP side looked at Aditya for leadership, I cannot say the same thing with the Mumbai side where everyone seemed to have a say and an opinion. Like Coach Pandit said at the end - a lot of credit to Aditya because a good captain means 50% of the advantage is with you. Aditya had his plans and they worked (despite the commentator getting upset and wanting him to change strategies).
At a stage when Mumbai looked like it might run away to a big score the MP bowlers stuck to their task and bundled them out for 374, maybe 150 runs less than what they should have got. And then came the character - Yash Dubey and Mantri began so solidly - Yash being so compact and batting with such a straight bat that it was a pleasure to see. When Mantri who got a huge 150 in the semis got out in came the experienced Shubham Sharma and what a partnership these two built shutting Mumbai out pretty much right then. After Shubham got out came the new star Rajat Patidar. Yash Dubey shut his ears off and kept going and to me much of the credit for shutting out Mumbai bowlers should go to him. Rajat got a hundred and Saransh Jain got a 50 and the last day showed up with Mumbai making a last ditch effort and falling short. Once again, the MP batsmen showed remarkable restraint and knocked off the 108 runs to win. What a sight it was.
The way they carried their emotional coach on their shoulders, gathered around for pictures, went and acknowledged the crowd, bowed to the ground and the pavilion, spoke at the post match ceremony where Aditya came wearing his MPCA blazer - everything showed the culture around which the team has been built. I am so thrilled that I watched this match.
This is cricket at its best and thank you MP and Chandrakanth Pandit for providing such pleasure and reaffirming how the basics make all the difference.
When Madhusudhan Raju called me and asked me if I could do a one day program and meet with the Under 25 team that was heading out to play the CK Nayudu 4 day tournament, I was excited. Mostly because much of my writing and thinking has been around using cricket to understand personal excellence and building winning teams. I enjoyed all the cricket programs I have done over the years - with HCA's Under 17 team in 2010 if I remember - there's one Test player from that and many first class players. Then there were many with the MCC team, the trainees at Vidyuth's Academy and several with corporate teams. But the entire focus has been the same - that there is a design to winning and we can at least do these few things to plug leaks and work to greater efficiency thus increasing our chances of a better result.
Arriving at the Academy
So after some hectic scheduling thanks to Madhu, I took the 715 flight to Vizag, then a cab to Vizianagaram. They had booked a meal for me which was very thoughtful of them and the cab was waiting when I arrived at Vizag with the dignified Appa Rao at the wheel. We reached Vizianagaram after an hour and a half. It was a scenic route - the highway that connects Calcutta to Madras.
Me, Sanyasi Raju, Ramakrishna and Ratna Kumar
I was received by Mr Sanyasi Raju, Chairman of the Academy and a former Ranji Trophy player, Mr P. Ramakrishna, Manager of Cricket Operations and former BCCI umpire, Mr Jagadish, Administrative Manager of the Academy and Mr K. Ratna Kumar, Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Academy. A small memento to me, a flower pot, quick introductions and we were away. There were 22 boys of the Under 25 side, four of them had already played Ranji Trophy. The side was led by Rasheed, the India Under 19 vice captain from the latest campaign who was not present because of a felicitation. The support staff was eight in number and was headed by former Ranji player AG Pradeep, who is the Head Coach.
I informed the team that we would follow Simon Sinek's Golden Circle for inspired work and inspired leadership (Why, How and What - Start with asking Why we are doing what we are doing, How we can achieve that objective most efficiently and What are we going to actually do) to gain clarity and also find ways to plug leaks.
This is a format that can be used for the largest of organisations and for individuals to gain clarity and to do inspired work. I use it everywhere. One key idea was to address gaps in communication that causes much leakage. So as usual, we began with the Why.
Why are we here?
We are here to achieve a common purpose - the entire team should look in the same direction. For this team that's heading out to play a tournament - the common purpose is to WIN. Everyone is there to win the title for the ACA (which incidentally gives them the opportunity)
Start with WHY
Common purpose - To Win
A common purpose will add a minimum 30% to team efficiency. In terms of behavior what we need once we decide the common purpose is that we need everyone to think, speak and behave with that purpose in mind - all thought, speech, actions are oriented to achieve the common purpose. Anything against it is to be called out and dropped. Like an army that has one clear common purpose, so must the team believe in it so there's no cross purpose.
Why should we win?
The next logical Why question. There is the matter of Pride - for ACA, of each individual being part of a winning team.
We spoke of individual benefits of being part of a winning team -
Growth (if they win, 6-7 players will get an opportunity to play Ranji Trophy)
Opportunities (more opportunities to perform as they play more games)
Pleasure of being part of a winning teams
An opportunity to create history (be the first team from Andhra to win a major championship)
I gave examples. Bombay players play more for the country (a quarter of India players are from Bombay) because Bombay won half the times Ranji Trophy was conducted. Winning teams benefit everyone including the reserves - even a reserve like Sunil Valson who was in the 1983 World Cup benefits from the winning team. So it is in their own best interests to do their best in whatever capacity they have to help the team win.
Team wins - Everyone wins (Team Loses - Everyone Loses including the Performers)
We also discussed how CK Nayudu was from Andhra and apart from being India's first captain, was also Andhra's first captain in 1953. For so many reasons, the team has enough motivation to win the tournament.
Reality Check
Where exactly were they in the Indian cricket scene? Certainly these players were in the top 300-500, but their big push upward comes when their team wins.
How Do We Win?
They did group exercises and came up with responses.
By giving 100% as a team, and by giving 100% as an individual.
With Head Coach AG Pradeep
Give 100% as a team
- Fix energy leakages (loose talk, low energy, groupism) - Communicate better - Have a learning culture - Support one another - Team work - Make use of all resources - Have more discussions around the game, how to win etc
We did some exercises/role play - 1) how the team should be as close bound as a FIST with not one player sticking out and spoiling the alignment for maximum impact 2) how the team should be close enough to hold up a person who is having a bad day
Give 100% as an individual - Role clarity (what is the role) - checked with the coach - Deliver to expectations - Prepare to deliver - Seek help - Form support groups - Help one another give their best
Some learnings
Performance Management Tools We discussed
- The Learning Mindset - a culture of learning, asking questions, clearing doubts and apprehensions - The 10000 hours theory to gain expertise and how it can be used - strengthen strengths and then strengthen weaknesses - Deliberate practice (doing the same thing deliberately till its perfect, deconstructing their skill and working on strengths and weaknesses) - Being open to feedback and using feedback to constantly improve - Importance of structured discussions about the game, skill, strategy, tactics as a culture
What - do we bring to the table?
- Goals - what are the team goals and individual goals for the tournament (specific numbers, runs, wickets, for the tournament, for each match)
We discussed how goals stretch and help the individual prepare better and organise thought as they head into each game. Goals also place some responsibility on each individual to bring a minimum delivery to the game in each department. We also discussed how each individual can also expand their roles to help the team when the team needs it.
Winners CK Nayudu Tournament 2022 (in advance!)
Strengths
We discussed the strengths of the team and the individual (and one area to improve on for both)
- Of the team - Sticks to a plan Good communication and coordination Positive dressing room atmosphere Balanced side - experience and youth Ability to bounce back from any situation United Experienced coaching staff Players back their natural game Team can adapt to any situation Responsible Good work ethic Team can handle pressure Behave professionally Batsmen who can play long innings Bowlers who are consistent Good fielding side.
Some powerful ones there - coming back from tough situations, experienced and balanced team, can handle pressure, good bonding, young side, hunger to achieve.
- Of Individuals - everyone wrote three strengths - and one area to improve - and shared the same. They all got some inputs from their team mates. Others chipped in with what they thought were that person's strengths
Strategies for the Campaign
The team formed groups and came with strategies to win - specific to the Pondicherry leg, to their team composition, attitudes etc.
The support staff - Faiz, Watekar, Pradeep,Surendra
Summing Up
I felt they have everything to actually win. If they can believe they can win, plug leakages, cut out doubt and fear, stay present and be open, they can definitely go all the way. It's that little turn that's required and maybe the day's exercises could have helped prod some thought.
Key thoughts/practices
- Believe in common purpose - the Why - Speak the same language - support staff and players - Be supportive of one another, don't speak negative or toxic words - Avoid blame and excuse - in any situation - call out when someone does - Adopt a learning mindset - ask questions, look to improve and help one another's process by sharing information or insights and practices (have a session everyday on individual insights and practices) so everyone can learn from each other - a 5% improvement in the runs, wickets or fielding is huge - Stay open to all possibilities at all time - find ways to regroup in tough situations - Use all resources available - Everyone can bring one practice that brings in a 1% improvement to the team everyday in one way or another - it all adds up
Outcomes achieved
- Set a common purpose - Connected the benefits of a winning team to each player / support staff in team - looked at ways to perform at best as team and individual - clarified roles and goals - placed responsibility on each individual to deliver at potential - shared performance management tools - formed strategies to win
Winding Up
Jagadish, Manager of the facility was extremely good at handling the entire show and treated me extremely well. It was a pleasure meeting AG Pradeep who is the Coach of the team, Watekar, and Vijay Kumar, both ex Ranji players who are serving as Batting and Bowling Coaches respectively, and a whole bunch of others.
In the end it was extremely satisfying to see the boys actually say they started believing they can win, that they will think like a leader even if they are a reserve and that they will do their best to help the team cause.
Day well spent. I had a tiring but extremely satisfying day so the snack box on the return journey was hugely welcome.
Chandra was in town so we planned an MCC reunion - a small one. Ram, Ranjan and I went and picked up Chandra at Hotel Minerva in Secunderabad and drove to the MLJ Cricket Academy where we knocked around a few balls. Bhupinder helped us and we all enjoyed playing around for an hour.
Pavan, Suri, Ranjan, Me, Chandra and Ram
At 7, Pavan, Subbu and Suri landed up and we all went to Yatri Nivas for dinner and drinks. Old games were recalled and many fun memories from almost 25 years ago were relived. In 1994 we won the League championship and we repeated the same in 1997. Those were fun days and like I say, the feeling of having accomplished something together is something else.
Six of us in the above pic are here - spot them!
As always we planned a bigger get together. I am hoping we do it soon.
India, despite top billing, lost the final of the World Test Championships to New Zealand. We cannot take away anything from New Zealand because they have beaten us in the one day World Cup and for all purposes beat England too in the final and they have beaten us here fair and square. In fact we may have many lessons to learn form this tiny cricket playing nation about what cricket is all about.
Some lessons that come to mind are about leadership, playing together like a team and doing the small things right. Other factors could be the way they keep an eye on reality and make adjustments to the process.
There is much talk that goes on about process and how we should not be worried about the result as long as the process is right. But there is another important angle to this - if the result is not right most times, then we must revisit the process, the execution. The result is the outcome of your process, the feedback on your system. When the results are a bit stark and in your face, we must have the humility and learning mindset to analyse what went wrong, revisit the process and make necessary adjustments. In the end, the outcomes must reflect processes and must be used as valuable feedback for the processes.
Of the many lessons, I hope this is the first one to learn. To accept mistakes, to correct them and not look for reasons elsewhere. It is not about one session or one Test - New Zealand have ticked more boxes with far lesser resources than we have - and twice. Including winning the crucial sessions. Ponder over that instead of glossing over it.
Ever since we met in August 2019, our teammates of Osmania University cricket team, the winning Inter-varsity team from 1990, has been in constant touch over WhatsApp. Since six of our mates live abroad, we get to meet whenever someone visits. This time it was Mohib's turn - he was the star of the show, the 'Man of the Series' for us ad was distinctly unlucky not to have represented South Zone Universities and played Vizzy Trophy. Now working as CEO in a Forex firm, Mohib lives in Kampala, Uganda. Since he was in town we all met at Necklace Road last Saturday on Bansi's suggestion.
Bansi, EP, Srikanth and Mohib trying to get a double seater cycle going
Skipper Vijay taking off
Apparently, there is a cycling club there and Bansi was hoping we could all go cycling. I joined a bit late owing to a call from PV and by that time the cycling was done. Bansi had also bought an old jeep which was wonderful to take pictures on.
Bansi in his jeep
All of us posing on the jeep - me, Vijay, Shujath, Bansi, Mohib, EP, Venkat and Srikanth
Mohib, Bansi, Srikanth, Shujath, EP, Venkat, Vijay and me joined together for breakfast and tea at Eat Street. The weather was heavenly and we sat around joking and chatting for a long time.
Venkat,Shujath, Vijay, EP, Mohib, Bansi, Srikanth and me
Venkat, EP, Zia (Mohib's bil) and Shujath
The morning cuppa - Srikanth
Here comes the caffeine - Mohib, EP, Venkat, Bansi and Vijay
Bansi and Vijay in an animated conversation
Mohib and skipper Vijay
Mohib and me
Happy together - EP, Mohib, me and Srikanth
There is an energy to old teams that have done things together, that have won tournaments and championships. The joy of meeting up compares to nothing else. You can see it on our faces.
This was a question many posed after I wrote about Rahane's captaincy being a critical factor in the amazing turnaround. What about Shastri's contribution, his reading of the game, his positivity, what he did to the team in the past five years? We must give him due credit said some. We cannot take that away of course but we must address certain things and explain why it's about Rahane and not Shastri.
1) It's The Captain's Ship
No team will be known as the Coach's team. It will always be the captain's team. So all credit and brickbats go to the captain. The coach is an advisor. When Alexander wins, its about him, not about Aristotle. When a government makes a mistake the PM is held responsible, not his advisors. How he takes his advise is the key.
2) The Coach Can Advise at Best, The Captain Has to Use his Discretion
A captain's greatness is not just in leading from the front and making on-field decisions but most of it lies in taking words of wisdom and discarding what does not work for him with discretion. Shastri can bring all the wisdom and experience in the world but it is up to the captain to take it in the right spirit and use it. That's why its Rahane again.
3) Great Captains Allow Wisdom to Flow In
Once again, certain captains carry an energy where the Coach or any other person with an insight, feels comfortable enough to suggest. We all know that certain people are easier to approach and certain people are not. A non-judgmental person who is like water is easier to approach. He makes everyone feel welcome, feel like they should contribute, feel like they should help - and then processes it all and uses what works for him. There is no ego, no position, no hard stance - and that's what allows things to happen. That energy is also what brings out the best from the Coach and other wise men.
Shastri vision and wisdom, his spirit and aggression, can never be questioned. Nor can Kohli's commitment and intent, intensity and drive. Between them, they have set the work ethic and built a team that is committed to excellence, a team with a purpose. But sometimes, when we drive too hard and expect certain results, it is counter-productive. There is the pressure of performing, of the result, which results in a tightening of the energy. The 36 for 9 story is a result of that. But then all that training they brought in, all of Rahane's past training in handling life and allowing it to evolve, blended perfectly when Virat left. Suddenly a void appeared, a vulnerable captain who was willing to soak in stuff emerged and everyone felt they could express themselves from this position without any pressure. What can be worse than 36!
And simply for holding the space, for allowing everyone to express themselves, for getting all hands on board, without seemingly doing anything, Rahane did it. Like my young architect friend, Malay Deshmukh said recently when quizzed on how he organises things so well - "As an architect, I am trained to bring all the elements together and let things evolve". All of life's wisdom in that one line if we know what it means.
It's a fragile, gentle space. A space of non-action, of love. Rahane knows it.
I was always a huge fan of Ajinkya Rahane's approach to the game - be it batting or leadership. He has a monk-like quality, a student's learning approach to cricket and life. I felt he was given a raw deal by the Indian team management in the past, dropping him when he was vice-captain, but he bore it all silently and prepared himself. And when the moment came, he was ready. I did not expect India to bounce back in the second test after the demoralising loss in the first, but when they did, I knew the reason - the leader. Here are 11 reasons why I think he is an exceptional leader, on par with the great MS Dhoni even.
1) When Fringe Players Perform Beyond Expectations, Look at the Captain
Everyone put up their hand, the most unlikely ones - Siraj, Sundar, Shardul, Vihari, Pant - the list goes on and on and includes everyone. When the fringe players play out of their skins, it is because they feel they have the space and the trust of their captain, and they go out and find their true selves. This has a lot to do with how the captain holds his space in the team. For being mature enough to allow that space, for creating that psychological safety to his team members, including the youngest and rawest, Jinks automatically becomes a great leader.
2) Actions Speak more than Words
Jinks is about action - not words. MSD was one such. Leaders lead with their actions, not with talk.
3) Transfers Ownership
A variant of the first but the great leader makes everyone feel like they own the cause - they do not feel like they are doing it for the captain - they feel they are doing it for themselves. Again, needs a mind space few have.
4) Is Not Afraid to Lose
Rahane is a great captain who will win more than he will lose simply because he is not afraid to lose. That does not mean that he will be complacent and lose or will look at the next match. He will gamble, he will push, and he will take every opportunity. He will not keep raiding the opponent den needlessly; he will do it with stealth and cunning and take away the cup.
5) He is Aggressive
Everything about Rahane's captaincy is about aggression - field placements, bowling changes, defensive strategies, offensive strategies. Not for a moment will he let the opponent breathe easy with his intuitive field placements, his bowling changes. His planning has been immaculate, his execution flawless.
6) He Creates Leaders
Jinks has already created many leaders in the team (Just as MSD had) by making them experience what it takes to be part of a winning outfit. Every member of this team now looks good enough to lead - such is the maturity they are displaying.
7) Everyone Performs - it's about the Team, not the Stars
Suddenly the team is in focus, everyone performs, not just one or two, and everyone takes the load. This is what makes world-beating teams, what makes teams that script historic wins. The team is suddenly not dependent on the stars and their star turns, everyone pitches their mite and together they bring down the opponents. Like they say, when a spider web unites, they can tie up a lion (or something like that).
8) The Team Just Won't Go Down
To bring in a psyche where one after another, everyone puts up their hand requires the presence of a master. The leader does not need to do anything, he just has to be. No need for motivational speeches, emotional outbursts, he just is - and things happen. Another quality of a great leader
9) He Leads from the Front
When the chips are down, he leads from the front. He absorbs the pressure and lets the others perform the role. When the team knows their skipper will lead from the front, they will be willing to die for him.
10) He Has Great Love and Respect for his Mates
They say that to make your soldiers die for you, you must love them like your children. The barrage of bouncers, of injuries the Indians faced but still put themselves across the line, speaks highly of the leadership. This is what I am willing to do for my team, my leader.
11) He is Like Water
Rahane has this quality which I believe is a great one in leaders - he is like water. He melts into the background, has almost no presence you can hold on to, but he is everywhere. Its the presence that allows everyone to speak, to express, to feel free to be themselves. Only the most non-judgmental and people with zero ego, can hold that space. Like Lao Tzu said - A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”
Ajinkya Rahane smiles shyly, is hardly seen in this team.. But he is the binding force the somehow brings them all together with his values and convictions, his presence and his wisdom. So much of MSD can be seen in him and surely MSD has influenced him. But so has Dravid and so has his wonderful learning mindset. I would love to see him in the leadership position more and more. It's rare to find such wonderful leadership qualities, such Level 5 leadership qualities. Well done Ajinkya Rahane. To me, you were the difference.
The only difference I find in this Indian team that bounced back from the 36 all out and then wrested a draw from sure defeat is Rahane's captaincy. What did he do different is a question one would ask? But then one would have to know what it means to let your team members feel enough ownership of the team that they personally feel responsible, not for the captain, but as a captain themselves, and rise to levels they have not risen before. This is the kind of a captain who does not say a word but lets go enough of the rope to allow players to think for themselves, to own their life and its trajectory, to be responsible for themselves and the team, on their own. It requires him to allow space to look within and not always look at him, to be ok with giving their best, irrespective of failure or of method. It is a culture of psychological safety.
In such cultures players like Rishab Pant or a Vihari dig deep and find the space to do it for their team, fro themselves. Its the space a monk understands. Rahane has often been compared to one but I can so clearly see the space he has created. It's rare. Its a space Dhoni could create and get the best performances from his fringe players, most unlikely players.
Its something Virat may never achieve simply because he is a star, and stars do not think this way. Only an MSD or a Rahane can, from behind.
I feel its a good case to make Rahane the captain and allow Virat to perform as a star without this extra responsibility.
A lot of questions have been raised and much has been analysed about this one inning against Australia. India was fully in control of the game and until then it looked like a matter of when. Australia would capitulate after India would ruthlessly grind out a bigger lead and then our famed world-class bowling attack would do the rest.
But no, Tim Paine had different ideas and went about reducing what the Indians thought would be a considerable lead by scoring 74 with the tail. Then the Aussie quicks came and reduced India to a humiliating 36 for nine, with Mohammed Shami injured and out of the series.
One bad session. One bad day.
One cannot put it down to that. There is a fatal flaw that is somewhere undetected within this team. Despite its talent and its belief that it can beat the best, a crack appears every now and then, that shows that somehow all is not well. Are we believing without looking really hard? Are we missing on certain aspects that need to be addressed to be a world-class team? Are we not as resilient and strong as we thought we are?
I feel the flaw is being missed. The team lacks resilience still. Not all players are able to contribute and it still relies on a couple, or at most times, only one in the batting and one a couple in the bowling. Until and unless the others can step up and close ranks when the biggies fail, we cannot call ourselves a world-class team. On our day yes, but world-class means that they win even when it is not their day. This I believe is what one must look at - the harsh realities that we can lose a match that is fully in our hands simply because we don't have the resilience. And resilience comes from gumption and belief. From a culture where each one feels he must die for the team.
I feel that intensity is missing. There is a complacency in the platitudes and cliches we hear from the team members. It is always about the next game and how we can learn from these mistakes. Learning must show. Learning must be intense and not complacent. With this team and this talent, the quicker they fix this fatal flaw the better. Then we will have far more wins and tropies in our hands.
Parag receiving the "Best Bowler" and "Best Batsman" award in the Times Shield - a rare feat - from the then Chairman of the IDBI SH Khan
Parag shared another piece on physical preparation for bowlers. As in the earlier two pieces that he shared, it's very insightful.
...
In Parag's own words.
Bowlers - Physical Preparation
The preparation of bowlers, physically and mentally, is different from that of a batsman.
In this part, I am making an attempt to explain the importance of the physical aspects and preparation from a bowler's perspective
Physical aspects - Strengthening of Muscles and Bone Structure:- A frontline bowler may have to bowl 20 - 25 overs in a day. Sometimes, he/she may have to bowl for almost 1 and 3/4 day which could be 30 - 35 overs if you are pace bowler, or about 40- 45 overs if you are a spinner, in one inning. Then, there is a 2nd inning. So, the physical workload for a bowler is generally much higher than that of a batsman.
Bowlers need to do exercises for strengthening of their
We have seen many fast bowlers, even the best bowlers in the world, with best of physique and body structure, suffering stress fractures on the back, shin bone, knees, ankle, shoulder or getting muscle tears in the hamstring, calf, groin areas mainly during mid and important stage of their careers. We have also seen many great spinners getting shoulder, back, knee, ankle or hip problems. This is mainly because the workload of the main bowler in matches is very high.
Strengthening
Parag receiving an award for best bowling performances in University games from Raj Singh Dungarpur at Khar Gymkhana, 1988
At the Gym
Considering the above, bowlers should go to the gym to mainly strengthen these parts of the body but under proper guidance and supervision of a trainer.
At Home
If one cannot go to the gym, then there are exercises which one can also do effectively home like pushups, pull-ups , Surya namaskars, situps/squats, lunges, skipping, cycling, front and sideways bending/stretching exercises, back+hips+ abdomen exercises on the floor mat.
Use of dumbbells for developing biceps and triceps should, however, be avoided as it leads to stiffness of muscles and it is expected to hamper your bowling. There should be good strength in muscles and bone structure should be strong but there should not be muscle stiffness which can affect bowler's rhythm and momentum
Running
I feel that bowlers should generally avoid road running or even running on a treadmill as hard surfaces put enormous pressure on ankle, knees and shinbone. They should generally be running n sprinting on grass or clay/mud surfaces in grounds or on the sand at the beach.
Duration
At least 1 hour either in the morning and 1 hour in the evening should be dedicated to physical training on a daily basis but by ensuring it is not overdone on any particular day. Running, sprints and cardio-related exercises can be done in morning and muscle strengthening exercises in the evening or on alternate days.
Weekly Schedule
Schedule for the entire week should be carefully planned out in advance, preferably in consultation with a physical trainer
How to Get the All-Important Rhythm for a Bowler
Rhythm in bowling run-up, the proper landing of the foot, the release of the ball from fingers/hand and smooth follow-through motion adds to the confidence level of the bowler.
Based on his/her bowling rhythm, every bowler comes to know from very first over that today is his/her day. Similarly, it can be an off day or match even for a very good bowler if, on a particular match or day, the bowler does not feel good about his rhythm, or at the time of the release of the ball.
Therefore, bowlers should, during the off-season (if it is possible) have practice sessions at a nearby ground to bowl only at stumps without a batsman and with only a wicket-keeper / or by keeping stumps very close to a wall / or just taking the help of your friend to be your ball boy (to throw back the balls to you). Bowlers can use these sessions to into / maintain good bowling rhythm, to feel good about his/her run-up, bowling action, the release of the ball, follow through and practice for control over line and length as well as any new variations.
Even when net practice sessions start during the playing season, bowlers should bowl separately only with stumps and wicketkeeper for at least 30 minutes or so.
Injury and Rehab
Many great fast and medium pace bowlers had to alter their run-up and bowling action to put less stress and strain on their bodies and to avoid injury to the injured body part and thereby extend the longevity of their career. Even, spinners add/develop different and new variations while releasing the ball.
Recovery from stress fractures and inflammations and muscle tears takes longer time to heal than expected. After healing of injury, there will be still some stiffness or mentally bowler will be conscious about the injury. So even the best of bowlers, after injury, have to go out in the nets and play in practice or domestic matches and bowl for long hours to again come back to their prime form, get rhythm, confidence and effectiveness.
Thus, proper physical training is important to strengthen the muscles and bone structure as well as improve endurance levels. At the same time, it is also equally important for bowlers to find out ways and means of having independent bowling practice sessions to continuously maintain good bowling rhythm and also to practice and develop new variations in bowling.
...
Great sharing Parag. Thanks again. I'm sure it will be very helpful to the readers.
Salil Datar and I met thanks to our IDBI connection. Though he had left the organisation when I joined in 1994, he would come to meet my colleagues, Parag and Jaideep, when he was in the neighbourhood. Salil had played for Bombay (now Mumbai) and West Zone Under 19 schools which was a pretty good platform for taking off into higher levels. He then represented Bombay University (1984-85) which did so well under Sanjay Manjrekar.
Salil Datar (left) with former Indian cricket captain Ajit Wadekar (2017)
Salil was a solid middle-order batsman in his day. He has played competitive cricket alongside Sanjay Manjrekar, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsakar at club level - Dadar Union (1984-90), Sachin Tendulkar while leading the BCA Colts team (1988). He also played alongside past legends like Ajit Wadekar, Madhav Apte in an exhibition fixture ( Dadar Union v/s Shivaji Park Gymkhana- 2017). He represented Mumbai in Ranji ( 1988-89) and the IDBI Cricket Team (1988-1990).
Salil Datar (third from left, standing) and the victorious West Zone team that won the Under 19 Cooch Behar All India Trophy with Sunil Gavaskar (1983)
Salil, gave up his cricketing ambitions and took up the corporate route, doing extremely well in his chosen field. These days he writes as well on various topics that catch his attention. Salil is a fitness enthusiast and has been participating in Mumbai Half Marathons since 2010.
IES Cricket team Winners Giles Shield (1980), skipper Sanjay Manjrekar with the bat on the left, Salil with the bat on the right
Here are some of Salil's insights into the game.
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Salil's Insights
Have confidence and stay put - It's the one good break
that matters !!
Having played Inter-varsity, U-22, U- 19 cricket
and been selected to the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team, I have played cricket at a
fairly competitive level. Looking back at my playing days, if I have to pick one thing that
separates the men from the boys - then it will be the mental frame of mind or
the belief that you have it in you to make a difference.
Once you play at the national level, you
obviously have the skill as well as the ability. What you need to focus on is
building the mental frame of mind, confidence and belief in yourself. During my
Varsity days I have seen at very close quarters 2 players- Maninder Singh
(circa 1984/85) and W V Raman (circa 1985/86). Maninder Singh had begun his Test career with a debut at a young age of 17 yrs, playing against Pakistan at
Karachi, way back in December 1982. W V Raman made his Ranji debut for Tamil
Nadu in 1982 and had established himself in the state side. While Maninder was
already an active member of the Indian team but was dropped subsequently as he
lost form, W V Raman was an established first-class player, he was struggling
with his form.
Here is how both decided to go back to the basics
and fight their way to regain confidence and a positive frame of mind.
Take 1 - The Maninder Singh Story
In 1984/85, I was representing the West Zone in the Vizzy Trophy with
Sanjay Manjrekar in the lead. We made it to the finals to be played at Chepauk
against North Zone with Maninder Singh leading them. At Chepauk, the wicket
turned out to be a rank turner.Maninder, keen to make a comeback, latched onto the god-sent opportunity
to use his left arm spin variations with guile. He tormented the west zone batsmen including Sanjay Manjrekar (he
was yet to make his Test debut then) bowling to a 7-2 field, keeping only a
square leg and a deep mid on, on the leg and rest on the off-side crowding
around the batsman. North Zone managed to take the first innings leads of 29
runs with Maninder nearly taking all except one out of the 10 wickets in our
first innings. The only wicket that he failed to take was that of our left-arm
spinner who decided it was prudent to get runout instead of giving Maninder ( a
test discard then) the honour of taking all 10 wickets, a record of sorts !!!
However, the silver lining for us was that Sanjay Manjrekar marshalled us well.
We came back from behind and lifted the Vizzy Trophy by getting North Zone
bundled out for a paltry 137 runs and then knocking those runs off with
3 wickets to spare with me stemming the rot to hit the winning runs.
Take 2 - The WV Raman Story
In 1985/86, I was representing Bombay
University (Bombay was changed to Mumbai in 1995) in the All India Inter-
Varsity tournament. The matches were being played at Aligarh University
grounds. In the finals we clashed with Madras University (Madras was changed to
Chennai in 1996) led by W V Raman. Again another left-hander but who was an all-rounder. Even though I scored a century, Madras University lifted the coveted
Rohinton Baria Trophy for supremacy in Inter-Varsity cricket in India on the
back of an all-round performance by W V Raman (88 runs and 5/78).
In those times, in spite of Rohinton Baria Trophy
and Vizzy Trophy not being classified as first-class matches, they were
considered as tournaments of national reckoning. National selectors kept a
close eye on outstanding performances by youngsters in these tournaments. In
both the above instances, what stood out to me was the fact that in spite of
having been discarded from the national team, Maninder and Raman showcased a
burning desire to make a comeback. They
opted to dig it in and rough it out to grab any opportunity, even if it meant
Varsity level matches, to showcase their performance and get into the can-do
mental frame of mind.
The net result of their performance was that
Maninder got an immediate callback to the national side. He proved to be a
match-winning force against England in 1986 and followed it up with some
brilliant performances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home. 1986/87 was probably
the best phase of his career as he picked up two 7-wicket hauls, one against
Sri Lanka in Nagpur and then delivered his career-best figure of 7/27 against
Pakistan in Bangalore. He then went on to play in the now most remembered Madras tie test against Australia in the 1986-87 series.
As for W V Raman- he made a comeback into the Tamil Nadu Ranji team and then
went on to debut for India in 1987-88 at his home town Chennai against West
Indies. In his debut match, India was bowled to victory by Narendra Hirwani, who took
16 wickets (8/61 and 8/75).
Just as I said in the beginning, once
you have made a certain cut, your mental frame of mind counts, have confidence,
stay put, go back to the basics if need be - It's that one good break that
makes it matter. Cheers !!!
....
Thanks Salil. That was a very useful sharing into the mental aspect of the game. I am certain that young cricketers, or rather anyone who is aspiring to succeed, realises that one needs to stay, keep working at it, and you will ultimately get there. That is the champion mindset.
For some more of Salil's cricket anecdotes hosted on his blog - Musings of a 50 something click
here:-
Jaideep Pal was my skipper when I played for the IDBI in the Times Shield during my stint in Mumbai between 1994 and 1998. Warm and friendly, with an impish smile perpetually on his face, he belies the tough and wily competitor that lies within. He is constantly match-aware, has a high emotional quotient and is always thinking of how to get the best of his resources. No wonder we made the finals one year and did pretty well in the next. I found Jai to be a captain for whom I wanted to give my best - he is vulnerable, open and affectionate and wants the best for you. He is like that as a person too, so it's so easy to trust him, to want to do well for him. He sings beautifully, has a great sense of humour, loves a good time and is easily the most liked by all. He is certainly one of my favourite people and one of the better skippers I have played under.
Jaideep Pal
Jai started playing cricket for Shardashram High School (Sachin's, Kambli's, Amre's school) and was part of the playing XI when the school won the prestigious school tournament viz. Giles shield. He was the youngest at that time to have played a finals - at a mere 11 years and few months.. Then Jai played for Don Bosco School. At the college level he went to Poddar College, played for Mumbai University and was part of a specially selected team of probables of BCA colts which played in the Moin Ud Dowlah Gold Cup tournament at Hyderabad in 1990-91. Jai played regularly for 2 two years for the BCA Colts and A division club cricket for nearly 15 years representing top Mumbai clubs like CCI, Khar Gymkhana and Shivaji Park Gymkhana from 1987 to 2002. He last played for Shivaji Park.
Three centuries - on a roll!
Jai's role model in batting was Sunil Gavaskar, and he idolized Syed Kirmani and Alan Knott in the wicket-keeping department. He did well in both departments, scored heavily and received prizes for best wicket-keeper on several occasions. Jai captained IDBI and was instrumental in the team reaching the B division of the prestigious Times Shield in a short span of time from lower divisions.
Here are a few of Jaideep's insights on batting and wicket keeping.
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To be frank, I have never had proper coaching by any sir apart from Late Achrekar sir who was very keen that I should play at a good level of cricket and that was way back in 1978-79 when I was 11 years old. At that age, one hardly remembers what is taught. Whatever I have learnt by watching, listening and practising is as under:
Jai with Sunil Gavaskar - Dadar Union vs Shivaji Gymkhana Exhibition match in 2017
Batting :
1. One should be hungry enough to become a good batsman as it is always one person against the 11 players at any point of time.
2. A still head is the most important thing. If the head is still you are sure that you will gauge the length of the delivery. What I mean by a 'still head' is that the focus should be on the ball and it should not sway. When the head is still, it is in line with the delivery of the ball and helps you judge the length and the moment the head droops sideways, one is not able to judge the delivery and also results in difficulty in playing deliveries which are pitched on middle and leg as the vision becomes blind. You can say for batting it is the side on stance. Which helps you keep your head still. One knows it when you can't judge the line and length of a delivery..
Even in wicket keeping, when one takes a stance it should be ensured that the balance is proper and the weight is evenly distributed. This ensures that the sight is set on the delivery only and not affected by the movement of the batsman. As a wicket-keeper we know the head is not still the moment we are not able to follow the ball right from point of release to its landing. If one sees the release but misses the flight and sees it only after it lands, it means you have to search for the ball, the moment that happens indicates that head is not still.
3. Always focus on basics. A good defence will ensure that you can easily play big strokes when required but the reverse is not true..
4. Practice regularly and approach each session as if you were playing a match.
5. Keep your hands close to the body as much as possible this ensures you don't chase outgoing deliveries.
6. Before any game analyse the kind of bowlers expected and practice mentally how one will approach each delivery. This practice is very tough as you need to imagine and it is exhausting. But very helpful.
7. A day before the game tap 100 balls on the bat focusing on the seam and that to be done on Match day too
8. Always play the ball and not the bowler.
9. Remember it's a mental game.
10. For physical training basics are important but one should hit the gym twice a week for muscle building as the game has become more of power.
Avi Karnik, Ajit Wadekar, Salil Datar and Jaideep Pal
As a keeper I suggest the following:
1. Take as many catches as possible not only standing like a wicketkeeper but outfield too. This improves how we receive the ball.
2. Play all kinds of sports especially football and TT/badminton.
3. Keep wickets at least for 3 hours in a day. It could be a combination of tennis ball and season ball cricket.
4. Try and follow the correct techniques and then improvise. I feel one should not stress too much on getting up with the ball but if one watches the ball keenly, then the movement automatically happens.. So focus more on watching the ball.
6. Always remember/expect that each and every ball will come to you, this ensures that edge's are not missed. Try it and you will find out that every time you have dropped a catch you were not watching the ball or head was not still.
7. Exercise sideways movement in standing and crouched manner at a constant speed for improving agility.
8. Skipping 1000 rounds daily atleast.. I used to do at least 1500 daily. Does not take much time on off days and at least 500 on normal days and running a mix of jogs and sprints..
9. In case one cannot play football, hit the gym for leg strengthening.
10. Wicket keeping also improves your batting.
...
Thanks so much, Jai. Those are very sound tips for batsmen and wicket keepers. For those of you who wish to reach out to him over mail for any further tips or clarifications, here it is - paljaideep67@gmail.com.
V Ramnarayan played for Hyderabad in the 70s and was an integral member of the team of handsome dashers from Hyderabad - a team led by M.L. Jaisimha with the likes of MAK Pataudi, Abbas Ali Baig, Jayantilal, P. Krishnamurthi, Govind Raj, Abid Ali, Mumtaz Hussain, Jyothi Prasad, Narasimha Rao etc. The team had seven or eight Test players and beat some great teams but enigmatically, never won the Ranji Trophy for all its talent.
V Ramnarayan bowling in his prime
Ramnarayan was the team's penetrative off-spinner and wrecker in chief of the Bombay first innings when Hyderabad took a sizeable first-innings lead and then collapsed and lost inexplicably in the quarter-final. He made his debut for Hyderabad at 28 and 5 years of competitive cricket during which time he was named in the Indian probables camp. However, his tragedy was that he was the third man - always behind EAS Prasanna and S. Venkataraghavan - and all that talent went waste.
A fav pic of mine - that shows Ram in character - he came to the Chennai launch of 'The Men Within' all by himself, only to congratulate me on writing the book which he had bought and read. I had tried to reach him but I could not and I was thrilled when he walked up to me quietly and introduced himself and congratulated me. This picture was taken moments before he met me - I am at far left in the background, VB upfront in the blue shirt and Ram on the far right in his blue shirt. Gentlemen cricketers
In 25 first-class matches, Ram got 96 wickets - 6 wickets on debut against Kerala, followed by 6 in his second match against Andhra and a career-best 7 for 68 against Bombay in the quarter-final which gave Hyderabad a first-inning lead that was later squandered away. Post cricketing career, Ram did several things but finally found his calling in the world of writing as an author, translator and editor of anthologies. "Mosquitoes and Other Jolly Rovers, The Story of Tamil Nadu Cricket" (2002), "RK Swamy, His Life and Times"2007) and "Third Man, Recollections from a Life in Cricket" (2015) are three of the many books he has written. Ram also edited India's leading magazine 'Sruthi' on performing arts.
In Indian cricket, Ram's name always turns up in the list of players who missed out on playing for India. He is highly regarded for his knowledge of his craft, his humility and the breadth of his experience which traverses cricket, literature, music, singing, dance.
....
Here's Ram, sharing his insights into the game.
"I was told by my parents the first reading I did was cricket news in The Hindu. I grew up surrounded by a large cricket-mad family of siblings, cousins, and uncles. The first case of a concussion that I came across was when I was hit on the forehead at short leg off a vicious pull. That probably explains all the mad things I have done in my life.
Spinning the Ball - Most Important
Like many kids, I tried my hand at the whole gamut of bowling specialities before zooming in on off spin at age 16. Even at that stage, I was very sure I would learn to spin the ball well before striving for accuracy, thanks to my precocious devouring of cricket literature and advice from older cousins.
A bleeding spinning finger at the start of the season before a callus was formed was one's badge of courage. One derived massive masochistic pleasure while subjecting said finger to 3rd degree torture day after day.
Put Enough Revs So Ball Does Not Reach the Batsman
I learnt early enough to put enough revs (didn't quite think of it that way then) on the ball that it would not quite meet its appointment with the batsman ( Ian Chappell on Prasanna).
The idea was to land on a spot where the batsman didn't know whether to play forward or back. You made him play forward and discover that he was not quite there.
Visualisation
Endless hours of visualisation had you dreaming of catches to short leg, rattling of the stumps from outside the off stump, or catches to short mid-wicket or back to you while the batsman's intent was quite different.
Length and Line
Length is mandatory, says Prasanna, but I would add "Line too," as Hanumant Singh once told me. The only variations an off-spinner can indulge in are in trajectory, pace and deviation, none in line and length. Try varying line or length and you will have your captain tearing his hair trying to set a field for you.
Of course, length will vary depending on the batsman's reach.
Bowling to Left-Handers and Right Handers
Bowling to left-handers, I learnt from my captain MLJaisimha, to cramp them on leg and middle from over the wicket.
To neutralise right-handers strong on the sweep, I went around the wicket, again courtesy Jai's wisdom.
I enjoyed some success in both cases. One had to be so precise in length and line, that one never bowled with an offside sweeper, something unheard of among off-spinners of the time.
Simple rule: you can't set a field for bad bowling.
....
Brilliant. Pure gold. Thanks, Ram for the quick master class on spin bowling.
This is Part 2 of Parag's sharing. More on preparation during lockdown/post lockdown.
Parag's Insights on Preparation
For Batsmen Training to maintain focus during lockdown/offseason
Motivating oneself during off-season and lockdowns is very tough and challenging. But one day the game will resume and so off-seasons/lockdown is the period where cricketer will have to train more harder and in a focused manner to not only keep physically fit, keep up your footwork and reflexes but also be mentally motivated to avoid sluggishness
Few tips during the lockdown period
Skipping
I. Set alarm to get up at exactly the same time as you used to get up during the season ..say 6 am
Ii. Put on your track pant or shorts, light t-shirt and shoes. You should feel that you getting ready for a purpose
II. Skipping
a. Start with skipping with or without rope...first 10 days do 5 sets of 3 minutes each as per your limit..
b. After 7 days, increase the sets or from 3 mts per set to 5 mts or more as per one's stamina..after each set, you should feel you can not skip more.
c. Take a break of 3 mts between each set
Do skipping, including breaks for 30 minutes.
One can do skipping with or without rope
Drink sufficient (not excessive) water or lime water in between sets
Skipping develops and gives strength to lower body as well as agility n quickness
IV. Dips (Push-ups)
a. Do dips of 10 to 25 per set as per one's limit
b. Do 3 to 5 sets as per one's limit
c. Each set should be same number...if you choose do 1st set of 10 dips...then other 2 or 4 sets should be of same 10 dips
d. After every 7 days, see if you can increase the number of dips by 2 per set then do it till you come to a minimum 25
d. Maximum dips per set are as per one's limit
e. Do not overdo in one set so that you cannot do balance sets..start with a comfortable number of dips per set so that you can do all the 3 or sets
f. Also after 10 days, increase sets from say 2 to 4 gradually as per one's limit
f. Take a break of 3 minutes in between the sets
Drink little sips of fluid in between the sets
I am not recommending use of dumbbells for biceps and triceps as it creates stiffness in muscles...Cricket needs strength in muscles and not stiffness
These 2 exercises at a minimum in the morning for 1 hour are good enough to develop upper and lower body strength
I am not recommending Abs or stomach exercises as at a young age it is not needed
These 2 exercises in the morning are indicated considering that you may not be able to go out of the house due to lockdown restrictions
Running - Long Distance/ Sprints
If you are able and allowed to go out after lockdown is over then during off-seasons, you should one day do skipping and next day go for long-distance running for minimum 20 minutes plus sprints for 10 minutes followed by Dips..
Please maintain a constant speed while doing long-distance running. Next time, you may increase the speed as per your comfort but keep the same speed throughout 20 minutes...
How Long-Distance Running helps in Batting
Long-distance running helps in building stamina as well as improves focus to reach your goal which seems far off in the beginning but is achieved at the end...While batting long innings, this focus is very important because batsman start innings with zero and at that time 100 or 200 seems very far off. But the batsman will have to reach and pass small milestones like 30 runs then 50, 75, 85, 90s...100 becomes reality and joyous moment that you have captured and conquered small battles in between within yourself and with the opponent to reach your final milestone
V. Watching Experts
During the day after breakfast say between 11 to 1 p.m. for 1 hour or so, one can download and watch batting and bowling lips of your idols like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, Virendra Sehwag, VVS Laxman, Sunil Gavaskar to name few from India and Brian Lara, Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge to name few from West Indies and/or whom you like to watch
VI. Evening between 4 to 6 pm for a minimum 1 to 2 hours -
a. Do stretching exercises
b. Batting drills for e.g forward defence on off stump, then middle stump, middle and off stump, leg n middle stump.. similarly back foot defence, front foot shots, back foot drives, square cut, pulls, sweep, etc.
C. While doing batting drills you need to visualize that you are facing a pace bowler or offspinner or leg spinner...also visualize inswing, outswing, flight, turn, spin while doing your drills
d. If you have pads n gloves at home, then do the drills with your entire kit on...
e.Visualize match play while doing drills...for e.g a) how will you play short or well-pitched ball pitched on off stump and moving out or the same ball coming in.
b) Visualize in one over you will be playing front foot defence, back foot defence, front foot drive to mid-off / covers, front foot drive to mid-on/ thru midwicket, back foot punch to covers /extra covers, square cut, etc
c) Visualize short pitch ball on off stump or so, chest height and above which you have to leave in front of your nose/ mouth,
d) Visualize ducking into short-pitched balls
e) Visualize field positions like 2 - 3 slips, gully, short leg, point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg fine leg, short mid-wicket or deep mid-wicket depending which type of bowler you are facing and how to pierce the field, how to avoid giving a catch to close in /slip fielders,
f) Concentrate on you improving technique or how to avoid small unnoticeable errors for e.g your head may go up while driving, the bottom hand may come into play while off driving resulting in drive going uppish, how to quickly come in line of the ball,
g) Visualize turn, bounce, flight, pace...visualise grassy pitch or pitch with light grass or without any grass which is expected to turn from very 1st day
D) Last but not the least, strictly watch your diet...avoid oily, fried, sweets which can suddenly increase your weight but at same time, eat good nutritional food
E) Sleep early and well to have a good minimum of 7 hours of sleep
...
