Team India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey knows the importance of tennis ball cricket. It is this form of the game which led to his passion for serious fast bowling. After excelling in it during inter-wing games at his erstwhile Worli dwelling, Mhambrey joined famous coach Ramakant Achrekar’s nets at Shivaji Park on the recommendation of another coach - Rajan Tewari. 

On Saturday, as chief guest at the launch of the 10th Supremo Trophy Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament, which will be played under floodlights at the Air India Sports Club ground, Kalina, Santacruz from May 17 to 21, Mhambrey said: “From the players’ point of view, it gives them a perfect platform as tennis ball cricket is widely played in Mumbai, but now it has become extremely popular throughout the country. There are so many professional players who have gone on to play leather ball cricket after playing tennis ball cricket, which is unbelievable.