Through sports, a youngster can learn many values in life: Gary Kirsten

South Africa cricket legend and former India coach Gary Kirsten put 44 young and aspiring cricketers through the paces and also shared his expertise with them on the first day of the five-day clinic, organised by Saldanha International Academy (SIA), at Mumbai Police Gymkhana, Marine Drive, on Tuesday. Kirsten, a prominent left-handed opener of his time, had coached India to victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. He was accompanied by Ryan Cook, an established batting coach whose most famous student is Quinton de Kock.

Later, at a press conference, Capt. Allwyn Saldanha of SIA informed media persons that the idea behind the initiative was to inspire athletes, cricketers, footballers, hockey, kabaddi and all other sportspersons. “By bringing international coaches to India, we want to give our cricket players, our kids and the youth an opportunity so that they can gain the skills and gain confidence and improve in certain areas. I welcome Gary (Kirsten) and Ryan (Cook) on board. I am glad they are the first coaches of Saldanha International Academy’s maiden cricket programme. Gary and Ryan are both reputed international coaches and Gary has the special quality to get the best out of youngsters,” Saldanha said.

Kirsten, too, expressed his joy on being associated with Saldanha International Academy. He also said he was happy to be back in Mumbai. “This initiative with young players is like what we do back in South Africa. I am happy to be here in Mumbai and I seem to have grown fond of this place. My association with this academy gives me an opportunity to share a few pieces of information and experience with the kids. Through this programme, the kids will not only get lessons in cricket but lessons of life. And, Ryan and I are certain to enjoy our time working with the trainees and look forward to the remaining four days,” Kirsten said.

In response to a question, if the five-day clinic was too short for a coaching camp, Kirsten was quick to say that there was plenty to share in five days’ time. “The five days can make a significant difference in a player and I am pretty certain they will learn a lot. They can pick up the basic fundamentals in the game which can have an influence on the player.”

Also read – Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma on the selector’s radar for England series

Kirsten also mentioned that the parents of the children can be assured that their child would learn many values in life. “I understand that sports teaches us a lot of values. In cricket, you cannot guarantee a result. No batsman can get a 100 every time he goes on to the crease. But through sports, a youngster can learn many values in life. Sports teaches you to be humble, it teaches you teamwork and the virtue of selflessness,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Saldanha mentioned that children selected for the coaching clinic were from the clubs in the city. “We approached all clubs affiliated to the MCA, and requested them to send talented players who could get Gary’s attention. The best who have shown interest are training under Gary and Ryan.”

Saldanha also pointed out that Mumbai Cricket Association vice-president Ashish Shelar played a role in this initiative. “Mr Shelar was instrumental in this programme and he was keen that girls also participate in the clinic. He was all praise for our efforts and hope we could get some good products out of the coaching clinic,” Saldanha added.

The clinic comprised two sessions. The first session, held from 1 pm to 3 pm, was attended by girls and boys from the Under-16 category. The second session, which went on from 4 pm to 6 pm, saw the Under-19 boys give it a go. held Before the start, coach Kirsten had an interactive session with the kids and answered questions on how to improve their batting and bowling and he also stressed on the importance of being good at fielding. “In cricket you have to be good in batting or bowling. But you also have to be good at fielding and every player should have the ability to excel in any two of them,” he told the kids before getting on to the field.

At the end of the second session, Kirsten summed up the day’s happenings. “We worked on a lot of fielding drills. We helped the boys understand the technical side of catching. We looked at the positions you want to get into. It was a good learning experience for the boys; they understood teamwork as pressure situations. We also worked a bit in the nets. The guys have shown great enthusiasm,” he added.

Also read – Shakib Al Hasan thanks ECB for sending the team despite security concerns