Bishan Singh Bedi advises young spinners

Mumbai's upcoming spinners had a fruitful session with former India skipper and coach Bishan Singh Bedi at Mumbai Cricket Association's indoor academy at the Bandra Kurla Complex yesterday.

Around 30 spinners, including five girls, from various age categories attended the two-day interaction that ended yesterday.

Former India spinner Bishan Singh Bedi watches over a young spinner's bowling action at the MCA's indoor academy at BKC yesterday. PIC/ SURESH KKu00a0

On the final day, Bedi had a one-on-one session with every player after analysing video footage of their bowling performance on the first day. He then gave a pep talk that centred around the obsession aspect of bowling.

"I want you all to be obsessed about bowling. People should talk about how mad you are. Every practice session should be attended with utmost conviction and intensity. Junoon (passion) is necessary to become a successful cricketer," Bedi told the youngsters.

"I was obsessed over making the batsman play his shots. I was never afraid of getting hit. My approach was never to contain the batsmen. Understand your game, don't just follow a routine," he added.

Bedi urged the youngsters to make their practice sessions fun. "Nobody should force you to do it. You should practice on your own. In fact, you should feel happy to practice. We (coaches) are here to just guide you. You have to do the hard work - to learn and practice the correct technique," he said.

He gave a few tips on arm and wrist position for spinners. He also spoke about proper balance and the importance of developing a smooth action. "The line can vary, but the length should be consistent. That will fetch you wickets. Today's cricketers should not complain about anything. You are blessed with top-class facilities," said Bedi, known for his loop and flight.

"Surrender yourself in totality to cricket and only then the game will embrace you. Mumbai has a good cricketing culture… I hope you make the most of it," he said.

Bedi then spent time with Rizvi Springfield's Sidak Singh, who was recently reported for a suspect action during a Mumbai U-16 match in Delhi. Bedi advised Sidak to play fearlessly and not give up hopes of making a comeback.

"Mumbai has a good pool of talent. Five to six of them are really good. They need to be encouraged. I had an interesting session," Bedi told MiD DAY.

However, the Sardar of Spin rued the fact that he was unable to meet India U-19 star Harmeet Singh. Many frontline Mumbai spinners could not make it because of matches and exams.u00a0