16yr old Aryan Patni is one talented kid who has impressed the cricketing community. It was way back in 2015-16 when Sumeet Khanna saw him practicing hard in the nets when he was just 12.
It was at Goregaon Sports Club where Sumeet Khanna first spotted him and it was during that time he got impressed by the dedication at which he was practicing in the nets. Aryan’s maturity at such a young age impressed the coach. Sumeet Khanna now trains him personally on 1:1 basis under his supervision since the start of 2018 and he is happy to see him progress in cricket.
Because of his hard work and dedication he has performed well in the practice matches held in GSC. Aryan was selected in the MCA U16 Camp and also for the Payyade Selection Trophy matches. Apart from that, he has performed really well in tournaments like Kalpesh Koli, Lashkaria Little Champs League where he was also awarded the best fielder. Aryan was also declared the ‘man of the series’ in the Bharat Premier League while he was one of the leading bowlers taking 11scalps in 4matches at less than 3runs per over in the Sachivalay Gymkhana Tournament ’18.
A batting all-rounder who can bowl off-spin as a full time bowler too, Aryan Patni who currently studies in Thakkur College looks promising at such a young age and he can certainly progress with age.
21yr old crickter Omprakash must be elated with the progress he is making in cricket. The hard work which goes behind the nets and the records which he has achieved seems to be getting appreciation as a leading sports manufacturing brand endorses their support for his cricketing journey.
Omprakash who is a batting all-rounder started playing cricket at the SPG Academy & he was a captain of the U/14 and U/16 Mumbai team back then. He also plays for Parkophene Cricketers A Division at the club level. Omprakash later joined Western Railways in 2016 where he works and also plays cricket representing the Western Railways and the Indian Railways team.
Recently with the help of his friend Pawan Singh, Omprakash got in touch with the BAS Company who are known to produce high quality bats which even the International cricketers use. For Omprakash it was his friend Pawan who turned into a blessing as Omprakash bagged a sponsorship with BAS.
On the basis of his cricketing records and journey he got a one year contract from BAS on 3rd August. He was provided with the BAS Bat, Kitbag, handgloves, pads and other cricket essentials. When asked on how he feels to earn a contract “Omprakash quipped BAS is one of the most reputed companies and the quality is just too good plus the people at BAS are very supportive too”
Omprakash who usually practices at Western Railway Sports Assosciation, DPC Sports club in Matunga and at the practice camps held in Delhi also thanked Ramesh Kohli sir from BAS for being so helpful. Ramesh Kohli who is the worldwide owner of BAS has done a noble initiative of helping budding cricketers which helps them a lot to play cricket more proficiently.
When we talk about exercise, it is always the best option to start with getting the basics right. What many cricketers neglect is the fact that they speed up too much in their training programs by lifting heavy but at the cost of compromising the exercise technique. Ultimately, what we get to see as the outcome are “bad body postures, injuries & lack of ability to perform in the match”. Sometimes, you must have seen cricketers criticizing the gym for not being the best place to train for cricketers. In that case we can somewhat agree by saying
“Not every clinic has a good doctor, the same way not every gym has a good trainer”
This article is going to focus on the beginners and the cricketers who don’t get their workout plans right and hence not see any improvement and calling for trouble in the future. These exercises may sound to you very easy but when performed using correct form and technique can do wonders for you. Let’s get started.
1.Push Ups:
Muscles involved: – Chest, Shoulders & Triceps
Pushing is the most common movement that our body likes to perform. That’s the reason why our body learns this movement quickly compared to other upper body exercises. “Have you ever noticed why we subconsciously always push a door in the first instance rather than pulling it?
To perform a push up one has to first follow the hand placement (in the line of your shoulders) and start doing it at a higher angle from the floor. The next progression should be to perform the movement on their knees. As soon as one starts gaining strength then he can start performing the push up exactly parallel to the floor.
2. Pull Ups:
Muscles involved: – Back & Biceps
The most common upper body movement after pushing is pulling. But compared to push up the pull-up is a lot more difficult exercise to perform. Especially, for taller individuals as they have long levers (longer bones attached to a joint) compared to short individuals.
To learn and master a pull up one must start by performing a Australian pull up where the angle is greater than 90 degree from the floor and as you get strong enough you can start going perpendicular to the floor. There are also resistance bands available which will help you to pull your bodies upward due to its elastic effect. They are purchasable online as well as in some stores
3. Squats:
Muscles involved: – Quadriceps, Gluteus & Hamstrings
A squat used to be a very natural & daily exercise for Indians until we adopted the English toilet. Even, doctors have reported that due to the use of English toilets and sedentary lifestyle there has been a lack of flexibility in the lower body which inhibits a person to squat. Due to this a lot of individuals suffer from stiff muscles & joints at a very young age. This may tell you how important it is to include squats in your exercise program. Squatting is also a very functional activity in cricket such as wicket keeper, silly point, short leg, slip fielders and even the players inside the 30 yard circle are walking towards the batsmen in a half squat position when the bowler is about to bowl.
Many cricketers get the technique of squatting wrong. It is very important that the spine must be neutral while squatting (as shown in the image above) and thighs must be at least parallel to the floor. Once you master the squat you can start going even deeper. I will keep making articles on progressions of every exercise that I have mentioned in this article.
4. Deadlift:
Muscles involved: – Gluteus, Quadriceps, Hamstrings & Erector Spinae (Lower back)
“Ever felt pain in your lower back after lifting something off the ground?”
If yes, then maybe you are doing it wrong and deadlift is the exercise for you. The name of the exercise simply comes from “lifting dead weight off the floor” hence, deadlift.
A deadlift may look like a lower body exercise but it basically trains your whole body including muscles in the lower back and your traps. Deadlift is also a bible for you if you are looking to gain strength and muscle size especially in the off season.
5. Plank & Reverse Plank:
Muscles involved in plank: – Whole anterior chain (front) of body & gluteus.
Muscles involved in reverse plank:- Whole posterior chain (back part) of body.
These two exercises are very important because they prepare you to train for many complex movements such as handstands, front lever, elbow lever, L sit & V sit. If you don’t have a strong abdominal strength you may lack in terms of accuracy while bowling, throwing or may suffer lower back pain which may be due to you being weak in these two exercises & doing exercises with a wrong technique. These two exercises also improve stability which is required while performing all movements on the cricket field. A stable body provides you with the ability to hit the shots well, bowl & throw faster and at a greater accuracy level.
“Please Note:- All the above mentioned exercises should be performed under expert guidance or after following the proper instructions given in the article”
Once, you master these exercises (10-15 clean repetitions of each exercise in one set) then you can progress to difficult variations which I will be talking about in my upcoming articles. By then, I hope you develop the strength and interest to perform these exercises so that you become a super athlete like Virat Kohli and other international cricketers one day.
Played in their own den, Islam Gymkhana were made to bat first by Goregaon SC but it did not deter them much as they batted strongly to post 172/4dec in 28.4overs. The openers gave a headstart with a solid 61run stand in 15overs with Shoeb converting a good start into a solid half century. Shoeb scored a strokefilled 56 off 65balls (6fours, 2sixes) while stitched another 73run stand with Prem Salvi who top scored the innings with a brutal 78. Prem on a wicket where bowlers can have more advantage dominated with confidence as he played at a stunning strike rate of 166.00 which had as many as 9 sixes much to the entertainment of his team mates. It was an innings which showcased his abilities of being a powerful hitter and a game changer.
On the other hand Goregaon SC were made to struggle in the 28overs they faced losing 6wkts for 72runs before the game ended in a draw. Spinner Salman Khan took an impressive fifer giving away just 18runs in 8overs. Salman bowled really well and ensured he bowled in the right areas consistently.
It was a drawn match but Islam Gymkhana have given the right signals for a tough competition ahead as the season progresses.
The opening day of Kanga witnessed some amazing performances on 15th August and why not when the players were eagerly waiting to showcase all their practice & hard work they did in the off-season. After a rain hampered month it was finally a treat for the cricketers as they made the most of it with some exciting performances.
In the match which took off at the MIG Cricket Club, MIG CC were made to bat first by Victory CC but it hardly affected their game. MIG CC put up a strong show as they lost just one wicket for 130runs in 22overs before declaring their innings. Opener Sumit scored a gutsy 42 while Swapnil Pradhan who opened the innings with Sumit remained unbeaten on 66* off just 71balls. Swapnil batted confidently timing the ball sweetly which had 3fours and 3sixes. Even though the match ended in a draw, MIG CC managed to show their batting might to the opposite team.
In the other match which was held at Dadkar Maidan between New Hind SC and Worli SC, New Hind SC notched up 113/3d in 21overs after being made to bat first. Right handed opener Parikshit Valsangkar scored a brilliant 54 (2fours, 3sixes) almost run a ball facing 55deliveries. Parikshit’s sturdy fifty was a good indicator of his form as he looked quite solid at the crease. Worli SC in reply were 3down for 6runs before the match ended in a draw.
15th August was the only day so far Kanga matches were played on schedule and it was the time all the Mumbai Cricketers pounced upon the opportunity of giving their best to begin their season on a good note. Jiniv Joshi and Amrut Shetye were amongst those two cricketers who were off to a promising start in the Kanga League.
In the match between National CC and Dadar Union, National CC were made to bat first and the bowlers took full advantage of bowling first as National CC eventually declared at 119/8d in 33.1overs. Most of the batsman found it difficult to get going but opener Jiniv Joshi looked really good for his attacking 44 off 36balls. He took on the bowlers dominantly at a time when the wickets were falling from the other hand. Apart from him Ajinkya Beloshe also looked good for his 31*. The match eventually resulted into a draw with Dadar Union 2wkts down in 12overs.
In the match which was held at Cross Maidan between MB Union CC and Amar CC, Amar CC made MB Union to bat first with an aim of capitalizing on a bowler friendly wicket. MB Union CC declared their innings at 157/7 with right handed opener Amrut Shetye top scoring with a classy 47 off 80balls. Amrut looked composed at the crease as he crafted his innings nicely. Amar CC also did a good job scoring 128/4 in 22overs with Siddarth Sharma top scoring with 49*. The match ended in a draw but it was surely some good knocks which we got to see in the opening day itself.
Shashank Singh is one of the prolific all-rounders who has been playing for DY Patil since years. He started playing cricket since 2008 playing for the under 19 team in Mumbai. He later joined DY Patil which became his 2nd home. Over the years he developed himself into a solid top order batsman who became a backbone in DY Patil’s batting line up.
Shashank who has amassed over 2100runs in this calendar year will be making a big move as he moves to Pondicherry to pursue his master’s degree. Speaking exclusively to Cricketgraph, Shashank quipped ‘till today when i am the part of the senior Mumbai team i have cherished each and every moment!! Just loved playing in that jersey, i cannot tell you how emotional it was for me but then yes i will be playing for Pondichery as i am doing my masters from there ! I would like to thank DY Patil Sports Academy because whatever big or small name i have earned in Mumbai is because of them, all thanks from the groundsman to the management staff and the talented friends I made I in the club. Also special thanks to ABEY sir and VIJAY sir for trusting my abilities and giving me the freedom to express myself, i even had people like Praveen tambe and Ashok kadam to always guide me and motivate me’
My personal coach Mr. Vidya Paradkar sir is someone who knows my game better than me, he has worked for hours with me on my technical aspects and I am very grateful to have a coach and mentor like him. Would also thank my bat maker M Ashraf providing me the best bats throughout the season. Lastly my family was my constant support all these years.. yes it’s emotional that i will be not playing for Mumbai but at the same time excited for the new journey!! Though I will be playing for DY patil but it won’t be too regular because of the state commitments and special thanks to cricketgraph for promoting talents like us, it really boosts us to perform better”
Every state can allow 3 players from outside and for Tripura they have acquired Bravish Shetty and Harmeet Singh.
Bravish Shetty who is Parsee Gymkhana’s one of the most reliable top order batsman known to adapt to different situations exclusively spoke with Cricketgraph “Whatever i have in my hands i am trying to make the most of it while I am very happy to get a chance to showcase my talent at the higher level”
On the other hand Harmeet Singh who was a part of the U19 World Cup winning Team is also a prolific performer of Mumbai Cricket shared with Cricketgraph “that playing for India is my ultimate dream and playing for Tripura gives me a better chance to play all the 3 formats-Test, ODI’s and T20’s at the highest level” 25yr old Harmeet who has age and fitness both by his side needed more opportunities so that he can represent India.
Surely an emotional moment for Harmeet Singh & Bravish Shetty while at the same time it’s a big move in their cricket careers.
Scoring a half century in a Kanga is equivalent to 70 or 80runs in a normal cricket match and that’s why it’s all the more special to play in Kanga matches where the bowlers can take advantage of the dew from the wickets and it becomes difficult for the batsman to score runs freely on a wet wicket.
In the recent match between Young Comrade CC and Sainath Sports Club, Young Comrade CC who were made to bat first batted really well losing just 3wkts before declaring their innings at 156runs in 33overs. All-rounder Prithvi Khakhar(30 off 50b) opening the innings gave a solid start while it was Mayuresh and Anish taking the momentum forward with solid half centuries. Anish coming at no.3 scored an elegant 77ball 55(6fours) while Mayuresh counter attacked the bowlers smashing a 50ball 57* which had 3fours and 4 biggies to enthrall his team mates.
Sainath SC batted for 6overs before the match got over without a result obtained ending in a draw. It was a good day in the office for the Young Comrade boys with batsman showing a lot of grit and confidence for a great season ahead.
Kanga league-One of the most loved tournaments in Mumbai for the cricket lovers has kickstarted and already some good performances have emerged out in the opening day itself. In rain hampered wickets where the bowlers can change the game, it was the turn of all-rounder Rahul Sawant to help his team win the game with his wise bowling.
Played between Young Friends CC and Yogi CC at the Oval Maidan. Yogi CC electing to bowl first restricted Young Friends CC to 121/9 in 40overs. The bowlers were impressive hardly allowing anyone to settle with all-rounder Rahul Sawant spearheading the attack with bowling figures of 5/32 in 16overs. Rahul displayed some amazing left-arm spin cleaning up the top order with his tight bowling.
On the other hand, Yogi CC with the help of their opener Amar Kulkarni reached 123/5 in 22overs. Right handed Amar scored a dominating 59 facing only 41deliveries which also had 5 big sixes much to the entertainment of his team. Yogi CC won the match on 1st innings as they kickstart their season on a bright note.