Pandit’s trick in Gurbani heroics

Images of timber flying as Rajneesh Gurbani celebrated a hat-trick in the Ranji Trophy final is still fresh in the minds of those who witnessed the historic act. Many wouldn’t know that it was coach Chandrakant Pandit’s inspiring words that did the trick for a completely drained Gurbani.

VVS revealed it during his speech on Saturday. “Vidarbha were in the final for the first time and needed someone to change the tide their way. But their best bowler Gurbani was completely drained and exhausted. He was in the dressing room and wasn’t in the condition to bowl.

But, Pandit’s inspiring words pumped Gurbani as he unleashed himself on the field. This is what a coach can do. He can fuel you. That passion and self-belief also helped him to find a place in India ‘A’ side,” Laxman said during the GH Raisoni-SJAN Achievers Awards.

Badminton Association of India (BAI) vice president Arun Lakhani, MLA Sameer Meghe, MLC Anil Sole, executive director of Raisoni Group Nitin Tatiya and director of Baidyanath Group Siddhesh Sharma were the guest of honour during the award function organized by Sport Journalists’ Association of Nagpur (SJAN).

LIST OF AWARDEES

Senior (Men’s): Rajneesh Gurbani (cricketer); Senior (Women’s): Vaishnavi Bhale (Badmiton); Junior (Men’s): Atharva Taide (Cricket); Junior (Women’s): Rutuja Shende (Athletics); Sport organizer: Kamil Ansari, president, Young Muslim Football Club; Best College: Jyotiba College of Physical Education; Best School: New English High School, Congress Nagar.


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