When Nandan Phadnis came to Goa on April 17 to train cricketers for the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) two months camp there were over 115 boys. Over a month and a half later the number has been reduced to 75.”I see talent in most of the boys in all the age groups but the level of intensity is missing. Maybe that is because football is the main sports here or because there are not enough grounds,” reasons Phadnis while looking back at his times in Goa for many years.
As a BCCI match umpire, Phadnis has been in Goa often and from what he has seen believes,” there is plenty of talent in Goa but that that the mindset appears different ,” to him at least. “In Mumbai there is a shortage of space . yet , at the Shivaji ground you will see ten matches going on simultaneously. There is competition. Learning the basics is good but the real thing is in practicing through matches. I think that is another problem facing these boys. There are few tournaments for them,” reasons Phadnis.
“I have come across a few boys who have the capabilities to join the Ranji team but I am not sure whether they will be able to play right now because the boys need to play matches. Playing is an important aspect of growing up,” thinks Phadnis.
“I see enthusiasm and this same enthusiasm need to be sustained. They are here with me for two months and after that they go home. The GCA should seriously consider having a yearlong program for the boys where even their schooling will be looked after. An academy is what will help nurture the talent that comes forward,” retorts Phadnis when asked whether Academies are a better option in a place where the mindset needs attention first.
“A lot of children play T20 matches. The emphasis should be on holding two day or atleast one day matches. That is tow cricket is cultivated. T20 is good but talent cannot be nurtured through this format of the game. We have to give the boys an opportunity to play the longer version of the game if we want them to play for India ,” says Phadnis.
“Talent is honed over a period of time. The GCA is moving in that direction but it will take them time to see the results of their work. This camp can be seen as the first stage in GCA’s journey forward,” assumes Phadnis.
