Interview: Abhay Sharma's coaching chronicles

Versatility is often an overstated term in cricket. Mostly because time and time again, the moniker is associated more with players who perform on the ground, rather than those responsible beyond it. Ask any player, indulging in any sport for that matter, about how it feels to be out there, alone in the vastly competitive circuit, where only a few thrive.
Cricket is no different - especially in India, where every other sport takes a backseat - for it demands immense commitment, both mentally and physically.
Coaching is a taxing aspect of the game. Nurturing a player, let alone an entire team can be demanding, and more so when you've been doing so for almost a decade. Recently, Rahul Dravid took charge of India A, a team that was beautifully crafted and set up by his predecessor, Abhay Sharma. For those not familiar, Sharma is one of the most versatile and respected coaches to have graced the Indian domestic circuit and is warmly regarded as 'Abhay Sir' by even those older to him.
The beginning of the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season will mark his eighth year as coach. From Ravichandran Ashwin to Karn Sharma, Sharma has worked closely with several players over the years and has played a crucial role in their growth. He's also the fielding coach of India A, and believes that coaching in today's era demands more than it ever did.
"Modern-day coaching is quite different to what it used to be earlier. A coach has to be fit and mentally tough to create energy during the practice sessions," Sharma tells TOI Sports. "As a coach, one really needs to upgrade himself with every aspect of the game. Apart from providing valuable inputs, it's also important to let the natural ability of the players flourish."
That India A has been a flourishing side owes a lot to Sharma's efforts. Since he took over in 2013, the side won the Quadrangular A-Team One-Day Series in Darwin last year, where players such as Naman Ojha, Ankush Bains and Sanju Samson made an impact. A year later, and three players from that squad in Ambati Rayudu, Dhawal Kulkarni and Axar Patel have represented India at the highest level. And Sharma sees no reason as to why others can't make it.
"I see a lot of potential in most of them. I probably see all of them playing at the highest level at some point or the other," he says. "Mayank Agarwal, Unmukt Chand, Gurkeerat Singh, Sanju Samson, they all have what it takes to last the distance. The kind of knowledge and understanding of the game these young boys have is amazing. It's something that not many former batches of cricketers had. It's a fantastic bunch to work with. The way they innovate their game and how much they're willing to learn is what makes them so special."

Sharma had deemed Sanju Samson the future of Indian cricket. (PTI photo)
The A team is currently in the middle of a series against Bangladesh A, a month after it won the a tri-series involving South Africa A and Australia A. Sharma spent the little break that he had in between down south in Kerala, celebrating Onam with Dravid. "It was fantastic. He [Dravid] was surprised to see me play the drum and orchestra. He asked me whether I had played the instrument before, which of course I hadn't. To my surprise, everyone found it nice," Sharma says.
But such is the rigour of modern-day coaching. Back to the grind, Sharma has a packed calendar ahead. Following the three one-dayers, India A and Bangladesh A face each other in a one-off unofficial Test, after which Sharma returns to coach Himachal Pradesh during the Ranji Trophy season.
This will be his second season with the team after lending the first six years of his services to Railways. The challenge of grooming Himachal Pradesh’s cricketers promises to be stiff, something that Sharma is aware of. Despite existing in the domestic fold since 1985, the state continues to remain in the lower division as per last season's results.
However, all that could change 20 years later. Sharma did something similar with Railways, when he took over in 2007, by promoting them to the group stage. And with the likes of Rajasthan batsman Robin Bist and Karnataka's Ronit More joining HP, the upcoming season could very well witness the rise of the state as a cricketing force. They kick off their campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on October 11.
"Cricket in Himachal is still growing, and a lot of work is being done. Mr Anurag Thakur and the whole of HPCA have put in their best foot forward to ensure that cricket in Himachal gets the kind of recognition which perhaps a Karnataka or a Mumbai gets," Sharma says. "They have a great infrastructure, which is one of the most crucial aspects for any growing side. There certainly are challenges since it's a hilly area. But the state has a large pool of cricketers emerging from Una, Shimla and Dharamshala, which are encouraging signs. Also, a couple of players have come aboard. So I'm really looking forward to spending time with them".
Sharma's rise as a coach carries a simple yet encouraging story. He has played close to 100 Ranji Trophy matches in which he managed a little over 4000 runs with nine centuries. A wicketkeeper-batsman during his playing days, he holds the rare distinction of pursuing a coaching course in batting, fielding and wicketkeeping. As a matter of fact, Sharma went to England for the same.
Even though India's wicketkeeping stocks remained weakened during the 90s, Sharma lagged behind Saba Karim, MSK Prasad and Ajay Ratra. Hence, a national call-up eluded him. "Being an ex-cricketer, I thought I had the knowledge to take up coaching. I began reading a lot in order to get myself into that frame of mind. I still do it, but before implementing my plans on the players, I first ensure that I'm able to do it myself," Sharma says.
"One fine day, I received a call from the NCA who asked me to focus more towards fielding and wicketkeeping. During an interaction and a couple of drilling sessions, they found me good enough. That's how I got my assignment with the NCA. Soon after, I was fortunate enough to work with India B - during one of the editions of the Challenger Trophy - before being handed the responsibility of India A's tour of South Africa."

Naman is one of the the few players to have maintained his fitness: Sharma on Ojha
Fielding and wicketkeeping are two aspects that really excite Sharma. Last year, he had deemed Kerala's Samson as India's future, and evidently so as he's observed him from close quarters. As the Indian national think-tank continues to ponder over a wicketkeeper who can represent India in the future, and with Wriddhiman Saha yet to convince as a Test wicketkeeper, Sharma reckons that Samson and Ojha may be the options India can bank on. Ojha recently played in the final Test against Sri Lanka at the SSC and impressed with his spotless wicketkeeping skills.
While many have speculated that Ojha's age may stand against him, Sharma has a contrary view: "He's a talented wicketkeeper-batsman. My theory is that as long as you can keep your fitness in check, age is just a number. Naman is one of the few players to have maintained his fitness throughout. Ankush Bains is another wicketkeeper, who I believe has immense talent. He's young - just 20 years old - but is developing really nicely."
His fielding drills videos are sure to catch you off-guard. It's amazing to see, how at 46, Sharma is as athletic as any young cricketer out there. He can be seen diving and plucking a few stunners in thin air. He emphasises more on innovation, and Youtube will give you an idea how. Sharma has been on the ball with his work so far and once can only wish him further success in shaping more talent in the coming years.
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