Ravichandran Ashwin's Gen-Next academy expanding in Chennai

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is not just contributing to the game with his skills on the cricket field but has also set up an academy to ensure young talents get the best of coaching in their budding years. His academy Gen-Next Cricket Academy has the motto ‘To create tomorrow’s cricketing superstars.’ He is the brand ambassador and chief mentor of the academy run by his father.

The Gen-Next Cricket Academy is now planning to expand and will soon have more centres in Chennai. A press release stated that young aspirants shall be able to train at select branches of Pon Vidyashram schools in the city from September 30. The three signature programmes of Gen-Next (Weekend, Vision 20 and High-Performance Centre) would be available for the players to choose from, the release said.

Ashwin, the chief mentor said, “Developing good infrastructure is a part of Gen-Next dream.. As a kid, I knew the kind of hardships my parents went through just to make me get to my coaching centre.”

“If every area has 2-3 good nets, it will bring down the travel time and also ensure youngsters get more time to practice more regularly.. I am sure the new facilities will adhere to the high standards we have set and help players realise their potential,” he added.

The coaching programme at the Valasaravakkam facility gets underway from September 30 that at Injambakkam is also expected to start son whereas coaching at Kolapakkam is slated to be operational by the end of the year.

Ashwin in county

The 31-year-old is currently in England representing the Worcestershire team in the County Championship. He has played three first-class games thus far and has picked up 13 wickets. He also scored his first half century in County cricket against Durham in the ongoing encounter at Worcester having scored 83 in the first innings which helped his  team get to 335 after they were struggling at 132/5.