Srinagar Aug 21: The Ranji and U-22 probable are undergoing through rigorous training these days at SK Cricket Stadium here.
 It is for the first time ever that the players have to report to the ground both in the morning and evening sessions sweating it out for almost five to six hours every day to enhance the physical fitness.
 After roping in the Indian legendary spinner Bhishan Singh Bedi, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) is going whole hog in a bid to improve the standing of the State’s cricket team at national level.
 The morning session starts as early as 7AM and the players both from Jammu and Kashmir division undergo fitness training up to 9.30 AM and they have to report again for evening session from 3PM to 6:30 PM.
 JKCA wants players to prepare the teams with renewed energy and spirit as the task as been entrusted to no other than the former Indian veteran spinner who vows to lift the standard of the team from an ordinary one to elite group.
 JKCA has started the vigorous coaching camp for 30 Ranji and 20 U-22 categories probable three months ahead of the matches which the teams are scheduled to play so as to given enough to the players for preparation and improving their skills and fitness.
 Bishan Sing Bedi is with full team of local coaches, physio, physical trainers and technical staff to mould the teams.
 Bedi who supervise the coaching camp describes the present lot of boys as a ‘youthful’ which will emerge as a force in the national tournaments.
 “There is a potential among boys. They have lot of youthful exuberance and my aim is to channelize their positive energy. We are working hard on their overall development,” said Bedi.
 During the coaching camp, the players are vigorously working on all aspects of the game including running between the wickets, catching, bowling, stopping the ball, to check their physical fitness.
 “Presently, we are improving their physical as well as mental fitness. They are responding positively and am enjoying the game with them,” said Bedi.
 JKCA is filming all the actions of the players so as to analyze their performance.
 “They will be shown their actions on videos so that their performance can be assessed. Accordingly, the players can work to further improve their performance.”
 After the fitness training is over, the net practice will follow which will be aimed to improve the skills of the players.
 “We are taking small step at one time. Gradually, we will work on all the as areas. Before I say goodbye to JKCA, the team should have emerged as force in the elite category. The team should be winning the matches,” said he.
 JKCA has also roped in the valley’s renowned physio and fitness trainer Dr Aijaz Ashai for Ranji team.
 J&K will lock horns with Assam from November 3 to 6 at SK Cricket Stadium Srinagar before they will compete with Jarkhand, Goa, Mehrashtra and Hyderabad.
 The camp will continue up to August 31 after which the team will be shifted to Jammu for further coaching.
 “Our aim is to announce the teams by September 15 so that the players get enough time to prepare for the matches. This is for the first time that JKCA will be announcing team well in advance,” said General Secretary JKCA Ahsan Mirza.
 With team going full throttle in the coaching camp, JKCA is expecting good results in the national level tournaments.
 “We have provided the player with top level coaching which will show better results. We are leaving no stone unturned to groom our players,” said Mirza.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST