Amre: ‘IPL is about talent getting an opportunity to become a star’

Amre is one of those rare people who has earned a reputation after his contribution in the development of the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa, rather than using his achievements as a player to burnish his coaching credentials.

Pravin Amre is convinced the IPL is not just slam-bang entertainment it is made out to be, but a lot more substantial.

He has been around as a mentor and coach to some of the biggest names in Indian cricket for a while now, but Pravin Amre is more than just a player-turned-coach. The Mumbaikar is one of those rare people who has earned a reputation after his contribution in the development of the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa, rather than using his achievements as a player to burnish his coaching credentials.

And now, after four years with the Delhi Daredevils (DD) and other teams before that, Amre is convinced the IPL is not just slam-bang entertainment it is made out to be, but a lot more substantial.

“IPL looks easy but it is not. When it comes successful players here, it is all about your preparations for the last 10 months. See, the idea is to give a platform to Indian players but to be honest, there are only 2-3 spots for newcomers in every team. The level is higher than Ranji Trophy, you are playing with current international stars and your skills have to be at that level,” Amre told Sportstar .

READ: IPL 2018: Michael Hussey emphasises on 'smart fielding'

Moreover, he insists that simply throwing the bat around doesn't make a good player, even in T20. “IPL is about talent getting an opportunity to become a star. If you go back to the first year, how Rajasthan Royals (RR) won and Ravindra Jadeja became a household name as a T20 player, and then graduated to Tests – some players grabbed that opportunity, some could not – they had to work hard, many didn't come back.

"All these boys are talented, that's why they are here – but to be successful, you need skills, fitness and the mental attitude. Those who lack either of the three faltered, those who survive like Shreyas Iyer, are those who have all three,” Amre explained.

While admitting that not everyone, who shines in the IPL, could aspire to a national cap, Amre nevertheless asserted that it gave an avenue to those who couldn't.

“I would like to think there are three platforms now – Tests, one-dayers and T20s. Also, a player can choose where their game is best suited at. There are a few who can play all formats, but that is a different level completely in terms of quality, and for the rest, they understand they are not good for all formats and this is an opportunity for those who fit in this format, can take the pressure and perform,” he signed off.