Playing with right attitude

Coaching Batting Skills By Arun Bhardwaj (Tushar Sports Publications, New Delhi) Price: Rs. 350

There has never been a dearth of coaching manuals in cricket. From ‘Art Of Cricket’, the best on the game by Sir Don Bradman, to the latest gem by Bob Woolmer, coaching manuals have dealt with the technicalities of the sport. The emphasis has obviously been on teaching the basics the right way and in later years discussing the various innovations.

‘Coaching Batting Skills’ by Arun Bhardwaj is a humble effort by a passionate cricket lover. Having played the game and been associated with it as coach and a first-class umpire, Bhardwaj has seen the evolution of the game from close quarters. Needless to say he has remained a highly disciplined and dedicated student of the game.

Former great Mohinder Amarnath says in his foreword, “Arun Bhardwaj is one of the most respected and knowledgeable coaches in the country with an experience of more than 30 years. His experience in grooming young cricketers and command over the game is well reflected in this book.”

Bhardwaj’s coaching manual teaches a student to play cricket with the right attitude. His experience enables Bhardwaj to look at certain aspects of batting that need attention during the formative years. The book has been divided into sections dealing with the specifics of batting but the pick of the lot is the chapter dealing with the art of concentration. Bhardwaj also teaches the youngster the importance of ‘Playing An Innings’ in a very engaging fashion and then moves on to an interesting question-answer chapter.

Based in Delhi, Bhardwaj works with the Sports Authority of India and prominent among his pupils are Vijay Dahiya, Narendra Hirwani and Vikram Solanki.

“I have always been fascinated by the technical side of the game and nothing thrills me more than a debate on any aspect of cricket,” says Bhardwaj.

Those interested may contact him at 9810197289.

Vijay Lokapally