Cricket

Legends like Rahul Dravid and others note that the talent coming from India’s smaller towns is exceptional and while in the past the India U-19 teams used to be dominated by players from the 3 or 4 major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Karnataka etc, now its the smaller towns that make up most of the numbers in the India U-19 squads.

So, even though the options are not plentiful yet; let’s hope that in the years to come, Asansol, too can become a power-house of cricket in India as well.

Before we proceed, here are some tips that a young cricketer should be mindful of when beginning their journey in cricket.

A word of advice:

• Patience Is Key:

Cricket requires patience. Sometimes that can mean standing for hours behind nets. Don’t lose heart, its just something you have to go through before you move up the ladder and it is time for someone else to stand for hours. It’s also an integral part of any cricketers journey.

• Look For The Right Coach:

Someone who cares. Even if he hasn’t yet produced players for the country, you might be the first. But you want to be under the tutelage of someone who really, deeply cares about his students and isn’t just looking for ways to make money.

• Don’t Lose Heart If You Don’t Get Selected:

Cricket is hard and arduous. Those of a faint heart don’t get too far. Those who quit too easily or give up, aren’t the ones who are going to make it into the big leagues.

Playing for India, first and foremost requires grit and determination. Everything else follows. If you have those two qualities then even if your game is not at that level yet, you will do everything you can to raise that standard.

• Be Prepared For The Tough Road Ahead:

Every cricketer goes through this at some point or another. For some it comes early for others it comes late but its all a part of getting to know your games and more importantly yourself.

Tough times reveal to you how you handle pressure and hardship and gives you a road map of how to handle difficult times in the future.

• Performance Is What Counts:

The only thing that matters is performance. Don’t be the one who blames others for taking his spot. Remember, if you are the best no one can replace you, and if someone did, then you need to take your game to another level instead of looking at who did what.

• Practice Is King:

If you are not practicing like your life depends on it then you are not working hard enough. And remember, watching cricket on T.V doesn’t count as hours spent improving your game. That is just entertainment. Any real progress you make is going to be out there on the field.