Former Vidarbha, Mumbai and Chhattisgarh Ranji Coach Sulakshan Kulkarni has joined Mujumdar Cricket Academy as a mentor and consultant. The former wicketkeeper will provide his coaching skills and expertise to help youngsters grow.
Kulkarni has been associated with the game for almost four decades as a player and a coach at various levels. He was part of the Vidarbha Cricket Association’s Residential Academy when it was formed in 2009. Later, Kulkarni coached Vidarbha Under-13, Under-19 and Ranji Trophy teams before guiding Mumbai to 40th Ranji Trophy title in 2013. Time to time, he has been guiding Vidarbha youngsters on an individual basis.
Under Kulkarni’s guidance, the academy is planning to have a three-tier system. From grass root coaching to develop current players to achieve next level, the academy is committed to see the overall growth of youngsters. The academy will also focus on women cricket.
The year-long program will start with an advance-level camp from March 17-24. The camp is for players who wish to iron out flaws in their game before the next season. Players from U-14 to Ranji Trophy and women cricketers can participate in the camp.
It will be followed by regular camp from April 15 to May 25. The camp will be for beginners, advanced level and women players.
The grass root coaching will be for beginners. A team of scouts in academy will identify the raw talent and nurture them to the next level. The youngsters will be taught about fitness culture from the time they pick up the cricket equipments. Their parents will be advised to form right food habits from early age. Also, the academy will take care of injury and rehabilitation.
The advance level coaching will be for those youngsters who have played at decent level and looking to excel at the higher level. The coaches will identify the area of improvement and focus on program on an individual basis. The players will get the holistic and scientific coaching from renowned experts of the game in the region.
The coaches and management is academy feel a lot can be done to develop women cricket. The academy wants to focus on development of young girls. Apart from Sulakshan Kulkarni, the academy will take the expertise of several other renowned former players and coaches of the region.