Arjun Tendulkar among 20 young All Rounders summoned by BCCI for NCA camp
In a relentless pursuit to identify promising multi-skilled players capable of making a swift transition to the elite level, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has summoned 20 potential all-rounders for an intensive three-week camp at the esteemed National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Among the talented prospects invited to this camp, commencing in August, is none other than Arjun Tendulkar, son of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Arjun, who currently plays First-Class cricket for Goa and made his IPL debut with the Mumbai Indians in the previous edition, will join a group of hopefuls vying for recognition on the national stage.
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A senior BCCI source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the all-rounders’ camp was conceived by VVS Laxman, the head of cricket at the NCA. Laxman’s vision is to nurture and develop a multitude of multi-skilled players capable of excelling across different formats of the game.
The upcoming camp serves as a preparatory platform for potential candidates eyeing the Emerging Asia Cup (U-23) later this year. The selection process for the camp, led by Shiv Sunder Das (interim), the head of the senior national selection committee, focused on performance and potential as key criteria.
It should be noted that not all the players invited to the camp are pure all-rounders. Some excel primarily in batting, while others exhibit their prowess in bowling. The objective behind this diverse selection is to identify raw talent and facilitate their growth, ensuring they possess the necessary skills for the transition to the next level of their cricketing journey, the source clarified.
The list of invitees includes several notable names that have caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts across the country. Among them is Chetan Sakariya, the left-arm seamer from Saurashtra, who possesses formidable lower-order batting skills.
Sakariya has already donned the Indian jersey in 2021 and plies his trade in the IPL with the Delhi Capitals. Another promising prospect is Abhishek Sharma, the left-handed batsman from Punjab, known for his impactful performances for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sharma’s accurate left-arm spin adds another dimension to his game. Additionally, Arjun Tendulkar’s Goa teammate, Mohit Redkar, an off-spinner all-rounder, has also received the coveted invitation to the camp, along with Manav Suthar from Rajasthan.
Representing Delhi at the camp are Harshit Rana, a talented fast bowler, and Divij Mehra, a dependable medium pacer who is equally adept with the bat. Harshit’s inclusion in the net bowler squad for the senior Indian team’s tour to the UK for the WTC finals showcases the selectors’ belief in his potential.
Although Yarra Prithviraj from Andhra Pradesh ultimately made the trip, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) official expressed satisfaction that Harshit’s abilities are being taken seriously. The official further commended Divij’s achievements, highlighting his remarkable five-wicket haul against Mumbai and his century-scoring prowess at the age-group level.
While questions may arise about Arjun Tendulkar’s selection, given his modest performance in domestic cricket, the BCCI source defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of potential over mere statistics.
At 23 years of age, Arjun has ample time to develop and hone his skills, as acknowledged by the senior selection committee. With a left-arm pace bowling style and a left-handed batting technique, Arjun brings a valuable element of variety to the camp. His inclusion is a testament to the committee’s belief in his ability, and the coaches will work diligently to further refine his talents, the source concluded. The Goa Cricket Association also confirmed Arjun Tendulkar’s call-up for the NCA camp, adding to the anticipation surrounding this gathering of talented young cricketers.
In their quest for emerging talent, the BCCI’s strategic approach to identifying and nurturing multi-skilled players bodes well for the future of Indian cricket. The three-week camp at the NCA serves as a crucial stepping stone for these aspiring all-rounders, providing them with a platform to showcase their abilities and fine-tune their skills. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the emergence of the next generation of stars, the BCCI remains committed to fostering their growth and preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead.
