It was a training session of a different kind for a group of G Force Academy students who got to pick the brains of former Indian international Salil Ankola.

The 47-year-old held his first special two-day coaching clinic yesterday at Dubai Sports World, sharing his knowledge and passing on tips to 27 promising youngsters.

Besides playing, the fast-bowler who made his Test debut alongside Sachin Tendulkar against Pakistan in 1989, emphasised the importance of fitness and diet plans as well as concentration through short talks.

And having shared the same pitch for two hours, the youngsters spoke glowingly of working with the 
ex-international. Ten-year-old 

Arnav Kambli said: “It was a really good experience. Since I play as an opening batsman, he advised me on how I could play better strokes and how to play my drives.”

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UAE Under-19 hopeful Shishir Bhatia, 16, added: “As I play as a wicketkeeper, he told me different techniques on how I should collect the ball as well as improving my footwork. 

“His experience of playing for India and him taking time out to coach is really encouraging as we can learn what is required to succeed at the highest level and that is what we’re all aiming for.”

Ankola, brought in by G Force Academy head coach Gopal Jasapara after the two met during a domestic Ranji Trophy match in 1993, was impressed by what he saw.

“There is a lot of talent and they are very good. The most important thing is that I like their attitude and they are very keen,” he said. “They are enjoying the game and that’s very important.”