Mysore :
by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers
During his prime as a young cricketer, he was one of the few spinners in the country who dominated the batsmen. In fact, at the time when he represented the Karnataka State in Ranji Trophy semi final against Bombay in early 80s, he forced batsman like Sunil Gavaskar to bat left handed as he proved to be unplayable for the little master batting right handed. Having played just two tests for the country, this legendary left-arm spinner has scalped 373 wickets for State in First Class Cricket. Though, his services were needed for the national side for a longer duration, it was unfortunate for him not to be given enough opportunity to prove his skills. We are speaking about Raghuram Bhat, who is currently in city to conduct spinners’ camp to unearth the talent in budding cricketers.
Star of Mysore caught up with the legendary spinner. Excerpts…
Star of Mysore (SOM): Having been a legendary spinner yourself , do you feel there is a dearth of quality spinners in the State?
Raghuram Bhat: Definitely, there is a dearth of quality spinners. There is no dearth for talent, but quality has to be improved. Not only in spin, quality has to improve in all departments which includes batting, bowling and fielding. Now, that KSCA has started the academies throughout the State, emphasis is being given to improve the quality of cricket and also to identify talented cricketers.
SOM: Tell us about the spinners’ camp conducted by KSCA?
Raghuram Bhat: The camp is being conducted to identify the potential of budding cricketers at junior level. This will enable them to learn the art of spin and will also help us to identify the talent and guide them throughout their career.
We are thinking of organising the camp throughout the year where a few talented spinners will be picked and trained by the qualified coaches at the academy. I would be visiting the academy once in a month to record the progress of the cricketers and also to enhance their skills.
SOM: What are the important qualities of a good spinner?
Raghuram Bhat: The most important factor for a quality spinner is the length and line. For a spinner it is important to maintain good length and line unlike fast bowlers for which importance is given to line and length. This apart, another important factor is the flight which a spinner has to concentrate.
SOM: What do you have to say about cricketers in Mysore?
Raghuram Bhat: Cricketers in Mysore have been impressive so far. There are currently 15-18 good spinners in the camp who posses the talent of being good cricketers. It is important to nourish them and mould them into quality cricketers. KSCA Mysore Zone has been providing quality infrastructure with the help of KSCA Bangalore, which is helping young cricketers to play quality cricket.
SOM: Karnataka has done well in the previous Ranji season. How do see the prospects in the next season?
Raghuram Bhat: We have a bunch of young and talented cricketers in the team who have been performing consistently for the State. These boys were identified at the U-14 level and trained at KSCA academy under Brijesh Patel to become the top players in the country. There is no doubt that the boys will perform in a similar way in the next season also and become an inspiration for the younger generation.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / June 13th, 2014