Willow tales with a difference

bangalore: if you want to be a wholesome cricketer, learn to eat with a knife and fork. the four and a half month cricket workshop by the nca and the zonal academies at the chinnaswamy stadium this year is teaching youngsters just that. it's time for wholesome cricket. legends of the game have come to the city taking time off from their schedules to be with young players, teaching them the intricacies of life as a cricketer."we are catalysts between a hopeful bunch of players and young aspirants," says eas prasanna, adding that this year's session includes preparing the youngsters for international presentability. and while they're at it, it's one fun period. "when they play abroad, they are ambassadors of the country. they must follow a certain decorum when they eat, talk, walk, sit, behave and play. atleast sixty to seventy percent of foreigners are aware of indian culture and they expect soft-spoken, well mannered and respectful cricketers," he adds. the need to be more than just a good player on the field has come of age. but of course the game is at the core of the session said col nair, administrative manager, nca and zonal academies. with the introduction of zonal academies, talent from neighbouring areas of states have come in large numbers. a young enthusiastic bunch, they lack exposure to the aggressive and brutally competitive side of cricket. "this workshop is really good. a lot of money has gone into it and we really enjoy all the diverse programmes. it isn't just the game we have to concentrate on," says nineteen year old syed razalli, a resident of uttar pradesh. besides focussing on various aspects of the game itself, physical and mental fitness through yoga, weight training, eating with a knife and fork, keeping a diary, swissball aerobics, sports psychology and video feedback is also taught. "it's important not to lose track in the learning process. each participant is made to keep a diary here. it helps to keep them focussed," asserts prasanna. legends like administrative director brijesh patel, chief coach balawant singh santhu, k jayanthilal, rajesh kamat, roger binny, eas prasanna and arjun rana are enjoying themselves. "it's great to work with a smart bunch like this one. complete development is the key word now. and i learn a lot from them myself," says arjun singh rana, physical fitness and psychotherapy coach. the session, agree the legends, makes them feel young again. at the same time, the chance to impart what they learnt as beginners to a new batch is a lot of fun. the standards are high, the method holistic. this one's a finishing school for young players. and the aim- to enjoy and be able to live with people