The mentor of one of India's most successful batsmen is too old to acquire fresh coaching proficiency. At least that is what the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) believes.
AN Sharma, Virender Sehwag's long-time coach and the dashing batsman turns to everytime, wants to do a Level 3 coaching course at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. But he is unable to convince the DDCA to recommend him. As a rule, a state association must recommend candidates for coaching at India's premier cricket training institute.
"I have tried speaking to them, but to no avail," says Sharma, who is 66. "They don't want to send me."
Age clearly doesn't seem to be on his side. And though the administrators prefer young candidates for coaching courses, there is no specific guideline.
Interestingly, Sharma had tried convincing DDCA 7-8 years back while applying for the level 1. Then also, the Delhi body didn't accept his request.
Upset, Sharma requested the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) to back his name. Anurag Thakur, the HPCA president, obliged by recommending Sharma for Level 1 and 2 courses, which he cleared. "I don't want to keep asking Thakur everytime. He's already been generous," says Sharma.
{{/usCountry}}Upset, Sharma requested the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) to back his name. Anurag Thakur, the HPCA president, obliged by recommending Sharma for Level 1 and 2 courses, which he cleared. "I don't want to keep asking Thakur everytime. He's already been generous," says Sharma.
{{/usCountry}}A member of the DDCA sports committee, which was recently restrained from functioning by Delhi HC, said: "We are looking at long-term investment."