Young cricketers in the UAE, mainly from the Indian state of Kerala, made the most of a visit by renowned coach Dav Whatmore to the winter coaching camp of Kricket’s Spero in Dubai.
Whatmore, who coaches the Kerala state Ranji Trophy team, was in the UAE as part of Kricket’s Spero’s expert group of coaching staff that has been guiding cricket enthusiasts in the UAE, with a few going on to represent their home state Kerala at the professional level.
Kricket’s Spero – spearheaded by business consultant Reji Cherian – has been in operation for three years and has already given Kerala a few talented young cricketers. Their association with the Kerala Cricket Association has grown stronger with former Ranji Trophy players like PG Sunder and Fida Asghar part of Kricket’s Spero set-up.
Whatmore spent four days with the budding cricketers from December 16, with the camp at the Al Nasr Club, Oud Metha, running until the end of the month. And former Sri Lanka and Pakistan coach Whatmore was pleased with how far the set-up has come.
“I come to understand the crucial role Kricket’s Spero is playing to develop the cricketing skills of youngsters in this part of the world,” Whatmore said.
Varun Nayanar was spotted playing cricket in the UAE.
“The success of 16-year-old Varun Nayanar in the Indian domestic cricket and his chance to play in Kerala State’s U-19 is a strong testimony to the coaching skills of Kricket’s Spero.”
Nayanar was spotted by former Kerala captain Sony Cheruvathur – a coach at Kricket’s Spero – around three years ago and was asked to attend trials in Kerala. The youngster has gone from strength to strength and this month became the youngest Kerala player to score a double ton at the U19 level – making 209 against Saurashtra in the Cooch Behar Trophy.
And there are a few other such examples that highlight the work done by the academy.
“Apart from Varun, Aditya Prakash has also played for U-16 Kerala team, in addition to Bethel Jose and Vishnu Menon playing for the U-14 team. I am sure that this is the contribution of dedicated coaches like Sony Cheruvathur and Pious Joseph, among others,” added Whatmore.
On his part, CEO Cherian said learning the tricks of the trade from a renowned coach like Whatmore was a golden opportunity for aspiring cricketers.
“It was simply amazing to see a big name like Mr Whatmore conducting the camp, working with the kids and truly taking time to fine-tune their skills. Due to our association with the Kerala Cricket Association, we are able to get the services of Dav, whose achievements speak for itself,” Cherian said.
Kricket’s Spero conducts three coaching camps every year – a winter camp in December, spring camp in March and summer camp in July. The winter and spring camps are held in Dubai, while the summer camp is held in India.
