Boys to men, courtesy KPL

College kids who played the Karnataka Premier League bring home a wealth of experience

Boys to men, courtesy KPL

College kids who played the Karnataka Premier League bring home a wealth of experience

The Karnataka Premier League (KPL) may be over but the young players are not likely to forget the fun and the lessons in a hurry.

Iu00a0got noticed: Sadiq Kirmani of Bangalore Brigadiers

As Sadiq Kirmani from Bangalore Brigadiers told MiD DAY, "I had lots of fun and learnt a lot too."

For many, he says, the tournament was a stepping stone, a great opportunity to showcase one's talent.u00a0 "I am sure many people have kept an eye on the good ones out there".

There were also those moments of fun. He recalls: "After we won one of the first matches, we were made to dance individually in the bus. It was hilarious." But now, it's back to college for Kirmani and also the Under-22 matches.

Experience to share

For some others, it's not only about learning but sharing the experience too.

Vinay Gowda Bijapur Bulls is one of them. He did not get a chance to play in the tournament since "there were too many medium pacers in my team". However, he says he learnt a lot from the senior players though there was disappointment at his team not having made it.

He's also ecstatic about the techniques and equipment used for training which many saw for the first time. He wants to bring them to the college where he coaches. "I don't mind if people say I am copying those techniques," he says, adding, "they helped me and it improved my game."

He is confident that the college authorities will invest in the machines.

He was all praise for trainer Afzal Khan from Mumbai. Afzal is also the trainer for the women's and India A side. "He really helped us all," said Vinay.

As for his future plans, he says, "This is off season and a good time to get ready."

Decent tournament

Then there's Chetan Williams of Mysore Maharajas who feels he's had a decent tournament. "I was OK, not too great, not too bad," says.

As for the future, "We still have the Ranji matches and then the Ranji one-day matches to go."

"Such a tournament does not come by every day but I was disappointed that we could not reach the finals," he added.

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