National Cricket Academy launched

“This is a dream come true,” said Raj Singh Dungarpur, president of the National Cricket Academy at the inaugural. “We have talked of it for years. But today, May Day, is a red-letter day in Indian cricket. This may only be the first phase of our plan. But the important thing is that this is the silver lining amidst the dark clouds now hovering over Indian cricket,” he said.

Dungarpur went to to explain the reason why the BCCI chose the Australian Cricket Academy as its guiding light.

“From the time international cricket was started in 1877 to the present, Australia have been on top most of the time. They have a wealth of experience in winning and it is this streak we wish to tap.

“Cricket these days has become far more athletic and with a lot more scientific in-put. The Aussies have always been the first to adapt and have gone through this route. They are familiar with the methods. We hope we are able to adapt their methods and Indianise them to extent required and come out with flying colours.”

Dungarpur pointed out that the boys would use the facilities available at KSCA, like the Club House rooms, KSCA Gymnasium, swimming pool, nets, etc initially.

“The Board has set apart Rs 50 million. This will be used in phases. We are at the first phase. Subsequently, the money will be used to build all the facilities required, including the indoor nets. Bangalore’s weather, the facilities readily available at the KSCA, and the fact that cricket power has shifted to this part of India were the reasons for us to settle for Bangalore as the headquarters of the NCA,” he said.

An additional reason was the facilities available at the Sports Authority of India (South) Centre, where former hockey captain MP Ganesh is the Executive Director. “Their scientific in-puts would be very useful in determining diet, body fat, output, etc. he said.

Besides the coaches, Andrew Leipus, the physical trainer of the Indian cricket team and Bernard Savage, another Australian would be in charge of physical training. “Special emphasis will be on running and jumping,” said Dungarpur. The academy will also utilise the services of the Yoga faculty, EAS Prasanna (spin bowling consultant), GR Vishwanath (batting), Syed Kirmani (wicket-keeping), Kapil Dev (fast bowling), Sunil Gavaskar (opening batting) and also closely work with the Chennai-based MRF Pace Foundation and its speed guru Dennis Lillee.

The director of the NCA, Hanumant Singh, stated that results would start flowing in a few years time. “There are no ready-reckoners. We need to have patience,” he said.

Admitting that five boys were yet to arrive owing to their academic examinations, Hanumant Singh stated that they would start the process of weeding out boys shortly. “Another batch in the 16-19 age group will be joining us in three weeks time. By then we will send some of the present batch back to their states to work there.”

The NCA is to take part in a few South-based tournaments also. These apart, Dungarpur said the Board will shortly have feeder academies in the five zones. “These would be offered to Test centres and held in May-June. The best boys will be sent here to the NCA,” he said.

GR Vishwanath was the chief guest at the inauguration. He along with Rodney Marsh lit the traditional lamp at the ceremony. Brijesh Patel, secretary of the KSCA and co-ordinator of the NCA proposed a vote of thanks.