Episode 41

Mar 26 2007

The penultimate day at the academy!

After months of training, trial and tribulation, it was time for the boys to live one last day at the academy and think of the time well spent in the company of cricketing legends. But it was also the turn of the coaches to reflect on the days at the academy. Zubin Barucha praised the boys despite their loss to Air India. He commended them on how they played against one of the best teams of India and their victory against the Leicestershire Foxes. Zubin encouraged the boys not to duck their heads in shame, but to be proud of their efforts.

The selectors had picked four of the final 11 who stood in contention to win the Man of the Series award. Karan Joshi felt he would get the award. Samandeep did not state much but no doubt, it was playing on his mind as well. Mohammad Abbas felt his average being on the rise, gave the selectors a realistic opportunity in naming him the man of the series. It will all be revealed in due time!

But the boys did undergo a session with the Leicestershire County Cricket Club coach Tim Boon, who through a vivid presentation about batting and a subsequent session on the field, displayed ways to remain fit and fighting during a game. Touching on aspects of breathing and discipline, Boon ran the boys through one more presentation emphasising the point of putting the team before self.

With the verdict just days away, the boys resorted to prayer. Salunke visited the famous Siddhivinayak Temple, while Abbas was found praying in the team hotel. Kadir Patel and Rahil Sheikh went to a dargah to offer their prayers, while Samandeep, Amiteshwar and Sukhvir chose to pay a visit to the gurudwara. Piyush and Karan also decided to visit Siddhivinayak. These boys are as fervent in prayer as they are on the field!