IPL is like fast food, target the longer form: Sandeep Patil

India's chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil urged young cricketers to lay emphasis on the longer version of the game and not get carried away by the big bucks of the IPL. "IPL is like fast food. You grab a bite and go home. But if you intend earning a name for yourself and command respect, you have to target the longer version of the game," said Patil at the Islam Gymkhana where he was chief guest at the Ramesh Rajde Trust scholarships function.

Sandeep Patil at Islam Gymkhana yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble

"Don't think of money; think about the game and if you play well, you will end up getting more than you deserve. There were no awards during my days. But my parents and seniors made sure I concentrated on my game," he added.

Anshuman Gaekwad praised the current chief selector. "I have been a selector, but Sandeep is doing a much better job than what I did," said Gaekwad. The Ramesh Rajde Trust was initiated by Vijay Chougule in memory of his friend Rajde, who represented Dadar Union SC before he expired in 2005. "Ramesh was a superb swing bowler. I have seen him trouble some of Mumbai's best batsmen," said his former Dadar Union teammate, Avinash Karnik. The Trust has been rewarding players with scholarships for the last seven years. "We recognise talent in Mumbai and our aim is to encourage capable players," said Chougule, who recalled current India player Ajinkya Rahane being one of the recipients. Prominent cricket administrator Prof Ratnakar Shetty hailed the noble cause: "It is one thing to have a friend and another to keep his memory alive. The idea behind this Trust is great and the content is greater."