Interview Special @ Cricket

This is an exclusive conversational interview with the COACH of ANDHRA WOMEN’S TEAM, Mr. Srinivasa Reddy... Mr. Reddy is a BCCI Level B qualified coach of Andhra. He talked about his 15 year journey in the game of Cricket as a coach, and other cricket issues presently. *ACA- Andhra Cricket Association.

1.     How did your journey into cricket started?

I have started my career when I’m in my 8^th standard. But it was not an easy journey for a person like me who has been brought up in a middle class family, as parents keep telling you to study and these games won’t help you.I started with boys Under 13, Under 14, Under 16 teams And with lot of effort I have been in this post from past 7 years.

2.     What had drawn attention towards the game?

The thing of throwing and hitting the ball was fun and entertaining for me which has attracted me so much. Watching my brothers, who are athletes also kept me on the ground along with them.

3.     Who had inspired you and encouraged to take up cricket as sport?

As my brothers and his friends used played cricket I used to help them with the kits and balls, I also played with them and watching this drill master has also encouraged me to be part of the sport.

4.     Talking about ACA position right now, when was this journey started?

I was in the association since 2010. At first, I used to assist Purnima Rau(2010-11){who was later India’s coach, till Apr17 }. I’m proud to say that, at that time was 1^st & only Women’s association in India.

Special thanks to:-

 Late Shri.Narendranath, Chairman-Women’s wing ACA;

Correspondent of JKC College, Guntur;

Gokaraju Ganga Raju for the support.

5.     India qualifying for the current WORLD CUP,2017; your student has done good. What would you love to share regarding it?

Sabinenni Meghana has got great views from the commentators in the final of the qualifications of World Cup in 2016. Watching her from her childhood, I’m happy for her journey and as a coach it was an amazing gift when Meghana represented Indian team and it is the memorable day.

6.     How has the Andhra’s team journey through the years when BCCI has taken up?

Last year we celebrated diamond jubilee function of the association. Andhra covers13 districts of the state even before the bifurcation of the state. In the recent times, juniors of the team are doing well particularly when BCCI merged with Women’s cricket in 2010.

The opportunities have given us great opportunities which made the team reach the top of the table in south zone from bottom of the table with 6 teams in the zone. But sad part is seeing Andhra players are now playing against us, because they got better job opportunities in Railways.

7.     Talking about the conditions of the players, how are they helped by the board? What affects them?

Few good players had dropped from the team after marriage. This saddens me. And yes GokarajuGangaraju sir, Secretary of ACA, has helped the players financially. State players get ₹4000/month, Zonal players get ₹2000/month. Because of Ganjaraju sir association is running smoothly. MSK Prasad, Dr.Kinjal Suraj wala, Trinadh Raju played major role in upbringing the association.

8.     What would you say about the recent change of coach of the national team of Women’s cricket team; Purnima Rau is being replaced with Tushar Arothe before the big events in the calendar. How it affects the team?

According to me Purnima ji did well and contributed for consistant champions, and replacing her is something not right according to me. Purnima ji knows well about the team; the strengths of each player and in depth. Purnima ji was once captained the Indian team as well;now team has her disciples.  This will effects the team a bit of the now to mingle. But we have to see how much he understands them and laurels the team.

9.     Lastly, what would you like to say about the WORLD CUP for India?

I hope for the best. We have great skilled bunch of combinations but bit fitness levels worries as a team. Different conditions over there in the host country, England and Wales. As a team how they execute and act we’ll have to wait and watch. ALL THE BEST TEAM INDIA.

ALERT:- WOMEN'S WORLD CUP,2017.

Australia, England, New Zealand, India, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South African teams will be taking part in the World Cup Tournament starting from 24^th June, 2017 to  23^rd July, 2017 at England Wales.