This story is from June 28, 2022

Gujarat: Hard-hitters, pacers to be trained for T20 cricket

Cricketers from Gujarat may well flood the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) in the coming years. In a move that will bring a tectonic shift in the way the cricketers are coached, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has initiated a plan to prepare players for the shorter version of the game.
Gujarat: Hard-hitters, pacers to be trained for T20 cricket
Former India player Munaf Patel sharing tips with young cricketers at a special camp in Vadodara
VADODARA: Cricketers from Gujarat may well flood the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) in the coming years. In a move that will bring a tectonic shift in the way the cricketers are coached, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has initiated a plan to prepare players for the shorter version of the game.
The association has organized cricket camps where the focus is also on producing cricketers who are expert in the T20 games.
"The T20 format has changed the way cricket is consumed and IPL has given opportunity to the players who, otherwise, wouldn't have got much exposure," said Shishir Hattangadi, BCA CEO.
"As the IPL grows, it will give opportunities to many more cricketers. We want to ensure that players from Gujarat get a better chance in playing the league. If they play well in the IPL, the doors for the Indian T20 team would also open for them," Hattangadi told TOI.
Pace bowler Umran Malik is the recent example of how a good performance in IPL can get a player into the Indian team. Malik, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad, impressed one and all with his pace in IPL this year. The selectors took note of it and picked him up for the T20 international games against South Africa.
"There are some players who are cut out for the T20 format. We have identified some bowlers and batsmen who have the necessary skill to excel in the shorter version of the game. Some bowlers from Munaf Patel's pace camp too are being considered," Hattangadi added. Many of the cricketers who are being shortlisted come from far-flung rural areas.
Once shortlisted, these cricketers will be coached in batting, bowling or fielding as per the T20 format that requires lesser stamina but sharper skills to perform in a few overs. These cricketers would also have a better shot at playing the domestic T20 tournaments and win trophies for the association.

Hattangadi, however, said that the groomed players won't be restricted to a certain format and they will get overall training in the sport. "Some of the players may well excel in the other formats too," he said.
"To groom players for the T20 format is a very good initiative. Some cricketers have certain skills that suit the shorter version of the game and they can be refined to get him into the IPL as well. Also, many players from rural areas will get a platform to prove themselves," said former India cricketer Munaf Patel.
That IPL is here to stay is clear from the three-fold increase in the IPL broadcasting deal wherein the BCCI will earn Rs 48,930 crore for the next five years.
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About the Author
Tushar Tere

Tushar Tere is an assistant editor. He writes on a range of subjects including crime, politics, sports, court, art, culture and heritage.

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