Fresh start for NCA

This time, Ravi Shastri (chairman) and Dav Whatmore (director, operations) have come up with yet another set of ideas, which they insist, will improve matters.

In an announcement made today, Shastri and Whatmore explained — not in detail but merely outlined — how the NCA is going in for a makeover. “Dav has been asked to get the support staff he needs (from Australia). We intend to make this place operational for at least 10 to 11 months in a year. Under-19 and India A teams will assemble here before any series or international tour. Those players under the BCCI contract but not a part of the team will not be given a chance to rest their backsides. They’ll be here (at NCA) full time,” Shastri said.

He said the coaching manuals would be upgraded and uniformity among coaches across the country would be maintained. “The facilities are there and they only need to be improved. I am keeping my eyes and ears open and have been talking to people involved. The off-season (domestic circuit) would particularly be important as players would be free and will have to be at the academy,” Whatmore said.

Every country dreams of following Australia’s footsteps. However, Shastri and Whatmore also acknowledge the fact that it is virtually impossible to completely copy the Aussie regimen and their work ethics. “I can’t just have steak and chips. I need my biryani too,” he said.

The meeting held on Saturday was attended by board president Sharad Pawar, president-elect Shashank Manohar, apart from Shastri, Whatmore and a slew of other BCCI officials. NCA’s ambitious redevelopment plan is scheduled to be in place by January next year.