Kids have a field day with Dilip Vengsarkar
MUMBAI: It was a morning of autographs, selfies and batting with a master on Sunday, as 50 lucky children attended a free cricket masterclass by Dilip Vengsarkar.
The session was held at the Oval Maidan in Churchgate as part of the HT No TV Day weekend fest. By 6.15am, as the eager under-14s had gathered at the pitch with their parents, some having travelled all the way from Belapur, Thane and Badlapur.
As Vengsarkar walked in, there was a flurry of clicks as kids posed for selfies and tentatively handed over cricket gear to be autographed.
Once the hubbub had subsided, Vengsarkar offered the kids tips on batting stance, balance and stroke. They were then divided into four teams for an 8-over match, with parents eagerly waiting for their child to hit a helicopter shot like Dhoni or swing the ball like Zaheer Khan.
With the kids determined to impress their idol, the day turned out to be full of lofted shots, spinning balls and wild dashes between the wickets.
Vengsarkar had some serious advice for the kids too. “You should be out on the grounds playing, or focusing on your studies, rather than sitting at home watching television,” he said. “You are the future cricketers of Mumbai and some of you may go on to play for India — if you give 100% to the game.”
The children took his suggestions greatly to heart. “I watch TV for one hour every day, but now I plan to give that up as well,” said Ajay Patil, 13, from Borivli. “I took four wickets and a catch in today’s match. I learned about the defense and the cover drive. Today I learnt all the aspects of the game from Dilip Sir.”
Ramveer Bhabouriya, a doctor from Thane, was at the ground with his eightyear-old son. “We started out at 4.30 am but it has been worth it,” he said. “Children nowadays are glued to their gadgets so it’s nice to see them coming out to play, showcase their talent and get noticed by reputed personalities like Dilip Vengasakar, who is an inspiration.” Among the youngest children at the session was Rajeev Bhabouriya, 7, who confessed that he prefers bowling. “I like Mohit Sharma,” he added. “I loved playing today and Dilip Sir’s batting tips really helped.”