The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), which has been focussing on infrastructure building and optimum use of funds, has launched intensive coaching for around 70 players (boys) by roping in coaches from different parts of the country to improve the batting, bowling and fielding skills of the players. The 26-day coaching began at ACA North Zone Academy in Vizianagaram on April 24.In all 70 players of different age groups (U-14, U-16, U-19, U-23 and Ranji players of ACA) will be honing their skills under the expert guidance of former Test player Vikram Rathore (batting consultant), Subhadeep Ghosh (fielding consultant), Dinesh Nanavaty (batting consultant), V.P. Sudarshan, Sreenivas Rao and a few others.
ACA general secretary Ch Arun Kumar said the objective of the camp was to keep players in ready mode and prepare them for the hectic season ahead during 2017-18.This camp will form a base for coaches, selectors and administrators to have first hand information regarding the physical fitness, mental ability of each player, he added.The performance of batsmen of ACA is excellent but they have to play more matches in various parts of the country to get the much needed exposure, said Vikram Rathore, who has been keenly observing the batting skills of ACA players.The Andhra Under-23 men team, which has performed well in Col CK Nayudu Trophy Tournament has emerged runners-up, was given cash awards on Tuesday.BCCI has announced 10 lakh for the Andhra team and ACA has announced 10 lakh and presented the cheques to the players.