Dubai-based cricketer Sanjay Ramakrishnan was left in awe after having an opportunity to train with India star Ravichandran Ashwin in Chennai.
The 14-year-old all-rounder was invited especially for a training camp at Ashwin’s Gen-Next Academy prior to the start of the India-Australia Test series last month, having impressed during a masterclass when the 30-year-old was in the UAE in December.
During his two weeks on the sub-continent, he also picked the brains of the academy’s head coach, P Srinivasan, and the coaching team as he worked on developing his all-round game.
And while it proved to be challenging, the youngster was thrilled with the knowledge he gained during the fortnight.
“It was a real enlightening experience for me to spend two weeks at Gen-Next Academy in Chennai,” said Ramakrishnan, who is on a cricket scholarship at Kings’ Al Barsha School in Dubai. “But to spend quality time with Ashwin was something of a privilege for me and it was always good to hear new tricks of the trade from him.”
While he was also put through his paces in a strenuous training regime which included running drills between the wickets, he insists he’s already seen signs of improvement in his play.
“I was working on my transition from a pacer to an off-spinner a lot and I feel I have got all the basics right which is a key accomplishment. I also worked hard on bowling the ball in the right areas and thought about strategies.
“Overall, it was a lifetime opportunity working with Ashwin and I will cherish this camp for the rest of my life.”
So impressed was he with his stint in India, the teen is already dreaming of returning to the academy later this year.
“Yes, definitely there are plans to go back there at periodic intervals,” he added. “In any sport, learning is always a continuous exercise and I could see that clearly with their coaching philosophy.
“There’s still areas to work on and hopefully my next trip will be in May or June for another two-week coaching camp to work on bowling aspects as well as my batting techniques and stances.”