Cricket Xtra: Imitation game working for young Indian stars

Ajit Vijaykumar 05:34 18/04/2016
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  • Young AB: Sarfaraz Khan.

    Traditional methods of coaching and natural talent generally mould players during their formative years. But for many aspiring cricketers, there is a third factor that has an influence on how they play – the technique of current stars.

    For many kids, ‘copying’ their favourite stars not only intensifies their love for the game, it also provides a ready-made formula for success. Obviously, everyone can’t manage that, but for a select few, imitation is an effective tool in the pursuit of success.

    When former India opener Virender Sehwag made his international debut, one could spot the distinct similarity between his and Sachin Tendulkar’s batting style. The stance and back-lift had an uncanny resemblance and later on, Sehwag admitted he tried to bat like the legend but ultimately stuck to his own method. Even so, that effort to emulate a top performer was evident.

    In the ongoing IPL, two young Indian players have stood out for their playing style which is quite similar to that of some big names in world cricket. Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Sarfaraz Khan is just 18 but has already been labelled the most talented young batsman in the country. He had an outstanding U19 World Cup, scoring 355 runs from six games and helped guide his team to the final of the tournament.

    The portly batsman caught the eye in the previous edition of the IPL, playing audacious lap shots behind the wicket. With a successful U19 World Cup campaign under his belt, Khan has gained more confidence in his batting and in the opening game of the 2016 IPL against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was at his inventive best, scoring 35 runs off just 10 balls with scoop shots over fine leg and third man.

    It should come as no surprise that Khan idolises South African AB de Villiers – the undisputed king of daring strokeplay. That de Villiers is his team-mate has provided Khan with an opportunity to further refine his hitting and hopefully, come close to the levels attained by the Protea.

    Then we have Rising Pune Supergiants leg spinner Murugan Ashwin. When we think of classical leg-spinners, the languid and round-arm action of Shane Warne comes to mind. But Ashwin has taken the ‘mystery’ route and his action is almost identical to that of West Indian Sunil Narine. But while Narine bowls right arm all-sorts, Ashwin sticks to leg spin predominantly. But I feel once he gains more control, the variations will creep in and he will be doubly effective.

    Rewind a few years and fans will remember a young Shoaib Malik making his debut. Those who saw him bowl the first time would have sworn it was a Saqlain Mushtaq duplicate, with the run up, jump and even the doosra – even if of an inferior variety to that of the Pakistan legend.

    Why, even Australia have unearthed what some fans are calling a ‘YouTube kid’. Off- spinner Arjun Nair is just 17 and has already caught the eye of New South Wales with his variations which he reveals he picked watching YouTube videos of IPL stars Ravi Ashwin and Narine over and over again.

    Emulating the style of the stars is a very ‘Asian’ trait. Many young players in the Subcontinent latch on to the nuances of the big players more readily because it seems an easier route to success, especially if there aren’t many proper coaching centres around. And every once in a while, one kid manages to crack the code. It might not be the most original out there, but such duplication is a beautiful ode to the original master and also carries the art into the future.

    BCCI a soft target

    There is no doubt that there are quite a few things wrong with the way the Indian cricket board has managed its affairs over the years.

    Be it conflict of interest issues or the way it handled revelations of corruption, the BCCI hasn’t covered itself in glory in the past. However, there is a growing tendency among those in a position of authority to belittle the board at every possible juncture. The Indian judiciary has made some startling statements and decisions of late, some of which I feel have been unfair to the BCCI.

    The Indian Supreme Court’s attempt to restrict the number of advertisements during international matches as part of an overall effort to overhaul its functioning, was laughable.

    It is one of the many recommendations the court is forcing down the throat of the BCCI which will have serious ramifications.

    And last week, we saw the Bombay High Court move all IPL matches after the end of this month out of the drought-hit state of Maharashtra in a move to conserve water. This even after the IPL promised to use only treated sewage water to prepare the grounds and also make a generous donation to the state’s disaster relief fund.

    That no such stern action has been taken against other sporting events in the state of Maharashtra, no cultural events cancelled nor swimming pools emptied to fight the drought proves that the BCCI has become an easy target.

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