Take one step at a time: Contractor
MUMBAI: Former India skipper Nari Contractor on Tuesday reminded the select group of under-14 and under-16 cricketers that although it was indeed an achievement to be nominated under the unique initiative of Hindustan Times along with Mumbai School Sports Association, it’s only the beginning of a journey that doesn’t even guarantee an end result.
“The most important thing to succeed at higher level of cricket is to rectify your mistakes yourself. First and foremost, you have to find out that wrong you are doing and then go all out to correct those mistakes,” said Contractor. “You have to sit and work out in your mind why it happened. Go to your coach or a senior member who has played good cricket and ask him for his advice.”
Contractor, who at his time was the youngest captain to lead an Indian side, further went on to remind the budding cricketers that being selected in the unique initiative doesn’t mean success. The game may have grown and got modified in numerous ways from Contractor’s era, but the veteran remained firm on the fact that the basics haven’t changed. “Cricket is a great leveller. You score a hundred today, you score a duck tomorrow. But that does not matter; it happens. You may receive the best ball of the day. You have to just think, think and think. Go and see your backlift before an error (is made), (or) play (those) shots which get you out, and why. Keep on improving with that.”
Such invaluable pieces of advice kept the kids glued.
Contractor wasn’t lofty in lauding the cricketers. Reminding the audience that not all of the 32 cricketers are going to represent India, Contractor further added: “Do not have Test cricket in your mind at this stage. If you have to go to the third floor you have to climb through the stairs. You will have to work from your league group to the higher age group to the state level of that group, from there to the state and then to the country selection. You have to climb the stairs, apply yourself.”
“You have to put your best foot forward. A hundred today, is gone. It was yesterday.”
JADHAV FELICITATED
Meanwhile, former Rizvi coach Pradeep Jadhav was also felicitated at the event by Sanjay Manjrekar for his contribution to Mumbai cricket.
Jadhav, who has spent his life on Mumbai’s maidans, mentored current India batting coach Sanjay Bangar during his young days among several other Ranji Trophy players.