VB Cricket Academy 3.78

The Academy

Established in 1997 by former Indian cricketer V.B.Chandrasekhar using scientific coaching methods. The coaching center at Gurunanak College campus was inaugurated by Mr.Bobby Simpson, the former Australian test cricketer & coach. The trainees at the academy have benefited immensely through the infrastructural facilities and coaching methods.

"The Nest" a residential coaching facility inaugurated in 2001, by the Indian test cricketer Rahul Dravid, is a unique scheme providing the rare opportunity for budding young cricketers to participate in an in-house training programme. Coaching schemes offered are Summer Training Program and Annual Weekend Program. The coaching methods involve individual attention, video sessions analysis, physical training programme, beach training, practicing with the bowling machine and regular match practice on the Turf Wickets.The trainees are grouped into different categories depending on their age groups, such as under 10, under 14, under 19 and under 21. Coaching methods are designed to match the respective age group.

It's a real test for the budding batsmen as they face deliveries close to 99 miles per hour from the 'Bola'. "We can programme the way we want. We can get it to pitch the special designed ball at a particular length at a certain amount of pace and swing, and it will not only land the ball at the same area, but also deliver a surprise ball, like the Yorker. The machine can also send down spin" - says V.B.Chandrasekhar. "Working on a specific problem in a cricketer is much easier now. We can get him to play the same delivery until the chink is ironed out. They also learn to get used to pace and bounce" adds 'VB'. The indoor facility has 20 160 watt lights and a roof that blends steel with aluminum. 'VB' has spent around Rs.20 lakhs on the indoor facility, with Mr.Chellappan, Managing Director, Numeric Power Systems Ltd., being a major sponsor.

V.B.Chandrasekhar was born on 21st August 1961 in Chennai, Tamilnadu. He started playing cricket at the age of 15. He has represented India and also the states of Goa and Tamil Nadu. 'VB' remained a pillar of strength for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy for many years. (He was one of the stars of the state's unexpected triumph in 1987-88 with over 551 runs.) He also scored 572 runs in the 1991-92 season and captained Tamil Nadu for three years before joining Goa as a professional. By the time he retired in the late 90s, 'VB' had scored 3971 runs (41.80) in the national competition with a highest score of 237 not out for Goa against Kerala.

* National Selector 2004-2006
* Chairman State Selection 2001-2007