VCA needs an academy: D'Costa

NAGPUR: He transformed the cricket in

Vidarbha

with his methodical approach. The

Vidarbha Cricket Association

never had any structural programme for the district until Neil D'Costa, childhood coach of former Australian captain Michael Clarke, late Philip Hughes and their current bowling spearhead Mitchell Starc. When D'Costa, former head coach of VCA's Residential Academy, left Nagpur with a heavy heart five years ago, he had put a proper system in place. The Residential Academy, the first of its kind in the country, doesn't exist anymore and neither does the programme for the district.

TOI spoke to D'Costa, who is successfully running his academy in Sydney, about his stint with VCA.

Excerpts from an interview…

How big was the talent search drive when you took over as a head coach of VCA's Residential Academy?

It was indeed a tough challenge and we went to many places. Though it was impossible to judge everyone, we tried our best.

What excited you to take up the job?

VCA's mission for talent search was visionary and searching for talent at every possible place is the main reason why cricket has thrived in India. Talented boys must be groomed patiently. When I had left, we had just won Dorairajan trophy, which was very challenging for a bunch of youngsters.

Tell us about your coaching team and the programme you set in the academy…

It was a long-term project back at the academy. My job was to build a firm foundation. I believe the system we had would work. When I came home to set up a cricket system based on that, it has produced already three of Australia's most exciting youngsters — Ryan Gibson, Marnus Labuscagne and Jordan Gauci. So I know this works. The coaches I had were extremely dedicated and committed. I had a very good bond with the local cricket market. I always was honest with them. I didn't just tell them what they wanted to hear.

VCA's academy is no more operational. Do you think new VCA administrators should rethink on this move?

Yes, I think the VCA needs an academy but review of the cost should be done in the first place. I think that became an area of concern for them. However, I am sure that can be resolved if we have the template. Some areas can be sharpened like what I have done here in Australia. If I was asked I would be happy to assist with ideas anytime.

Prashant Vaidya is back in VCA fold after five years. How important was his role during inception of the academy?

He is passionate about cricket in Vidarbha and youngsters. A good teacher with a calm demeanor, Vaidya is a man with futuristic approach, whom people trust. Even today, I personally go to him for advice. He has worldly view, which is required at this level.

If offered, will you think about coming back here in some role?

Well, I will answer this question saying ‘Dil Hai Hindustani'. The cricket team that I follow passionately is India. I loved the time I spent in Nagpur. I have a special place for the people of Nagpur. Of course, I would have given a thought had I been considered. I have my own academy here but the game is global. India is my ancestral home. I met Umesh Yadav on Sydney Harbour along with other members of Team India during last tour. It was pleasant to see a Vidarbha boy bowl for India on the world stage.

As far as Vidarbha are concerned, seeing them lifting the Ranji Trophy would be a dream come true. Well, big dreams need big efforts! VCA had always been great to me. It was my former family. Surely, we did have debates but they were always supportive. I had left VCA academy due to family reasons. So the door never closed for me. In fact, I got an offer from the UK but that is not my dream, I could not control being born in Australia (laughs). I am extremely happy with my academy here and role with Hawkesbury District Cricket Club. But cricket and India will always be the place to be for me.