Looking forward to training at the NCA
Lakshmi Ratan Shukla and Nikhil Haldipur are the two cricketers from Bengal who have been selected to attend the National Cricket Academy
Sakyasen Mittra
03-May-2000
Lakshmi Ratan Shukla and Nikhil Haldipur are the two cricketers from
Bengal who have been selected to attend the National Cricket Academy.
While the former is an allrounder who has represented the National
side for a couple of matches the latter is yet to hit the
International scene. However, both are thrilled at the prospect of
working with a cricketer as great as Rodney Marsh.
Shukla and Haldipur left for Bangalore on Monday evening after playing
the final of a tournament run by the Cricket Association of Bengal.
Shukla feels that the presence of video cameras in the academy will go
a long way in improving his game. ``Here when we practice, we feel the
necessity of a camera. There are coaches to correct our mistakes.
However, the best way to erase the deficiencies is by watching
yourself. Moreover, there are certain minor mistakes that cannot be
ascertained by the naked eye. Only by viewing the bowling or batting
action on the video, can one rectify the faults. This is where, I
think, I will benefit the most,'' said Shukla. He also added that
being in close proximity with a man like Marsh would inspire him
mentally. ``He was a legend in his life time. So whatever, he shares
with us from his vast experience, would be beneficial for us.''
Haldipur on the other hand, feels that the Academy will help him to
remain in shape throughout the year. ``In West Bengal, the moment the
season is over, it becomes difficult for a cricketer to continue his
practice. The monsoon affects the performance of a player
tremendously. By being in the Academy, I am now being guaranteed of a
year long training facility. That to me is a big boon,'' said
Haldipur. The left-handed opener also added that his physical
conditioning would improve during his stint at the Academy. ``Here we
do not have a proper physical instructor. So we lag behind the other
states as far as physical conditioning is concerned. By being under a
specialist, I feel, I will become much more fitter.''
Both, however, felt that more than the basics, it were the finer
points of the game that needed toning. ``I think that at our age, you
cannot really change the basics,'' said Shukla. ``More than anything
else, modern cricket demands mental toughness. I believe that the
Academy will help us to develop in this department tremendously,''
said the Bengal allrounder.