Sport - Cricket

Handling failure the key to success: Chappell

NEW DELHI: “Cricket is a game of failure and whoever learns to deal with them effectively and increases the chances of success becomes a good cricketer. A good cricketer is a good cricketer, whatever be the format. He should have a range of skills, be athletic, agile and adaptable.”

These words from former India coach Greg Chappell came after he had a good look at over 1,200 aspirants as part of a talent hunt at the Jamia Millia ground in the Capital.

Eventually, Chappell selected five players — Abhishek Singh (New Delhi), Naman Sharma (Ghaziabad), Gaurav Goel (Meerut), Ravindra Solanki (Bareilly) and Bharat Awasthi (Kanpur).

In all, 24 players will be shortlisted from seven cities and undergo a 10-day clinic under Chappell and assistant coach Ian Frazer from March 21 at Jaipur. The chosen one will get a contract to play for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League in 2009.

After having been to various cities in search of cricketing talent, Chappell observed that the weight of the bat was having an impact on the making of young batsmen.

“I’ve seen a tendency among the youngsters to use heavier bats which, in turn, makes them bottom-handed players. This makes them push the ball rather than hit it,” said Chappell, substantiating his point.

In the clinic, Chappell said the stress would be on fielding and running between the wickets.

The players would also be trained on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the game.

“One clinic cannot make a good cricketer. It needs to be an ongoing programme,” said Chappell. — Special Correspondent

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