Teen sensation Deepak Chahar is busy giving interviews. Ironically though, I still have to read a copy that has travelled to his hometown, Hanumangarh, which has played a vital role in making him a prodigy.
What Sansarpur is to hockey, Hanumangarh is to fast bowling. This Rajasthan district has been producing fast bowlers by the dozen. Credit for this must go to Navendu Tyagi.
Tyagi's passion compensates for the lack of infrastructure in a small district. He is a hard taskmaster and considers fitness a priority. He ensures his wards go through a rigorous cardio routine which, at times, includes going for a run at 2pm in scorching desert heat. He would accompany them either on foot or on his old bike.
He also takes his pupils to a summer camp in Rishikesh. While the kids pay for their travelling expense, Tyagi takes care of everything else. They stay in a Dharamshala and their day starts at 5am with yoga. Then they run on the hills and follow it up with some strengthening exercises using their own body weight in the evening. Since a place with modern facilities is not financially feasible, a getaway to Rishikesh is the second best thing. His efforts have started bearing fruit, for most fast bowlers representing Rajasthan at various age group levels are coming from Hanumangarh.
I am told that there was a time when 9 out of the playing XI in the district's team were fast bowlers. Obviously, it meant trouble. They would dismiss the other side for a paltry total, but would get out for an even lower total. The district got relegated twice. But clearly nobody seems to complaining.
{{/usCountry}}I am told that there was a time when 9 out of the playing XI in the district's team were fast bowlers. Obviously, it meant trouble. They would dismiss the other side for a paltry total, but would get out for an even lower total. The district got relegated twice. But clearly nobody seems to complaining.
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