Royal Challengers Bangalore has created a unique “mentoring program” in which the young cricketers on the IPL team have been paired with like-minded older people who can groom their talents. Explaining this initiative, RCB Cricket Director Mike Hesson said that every cricketer on the team is paired with a “friend” on the side, giving each other an opportunity to learn, mentor and share.
For example, young starting batsman Devdutt Padikkal has been paired with skipper Virat Kohli, while running back Navdeep Saini has been paired with veteran South African sprinter Dale Steyn.
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“The mentoring program is something that Simon Katich is really interested in introducing. It is something that happens in many sports. When you have players wanting to share, it is an opportunity to extract experience.
“The more experienced players share with the younger ones and also for the old to take some ideas from the youngsters,” Hesson said in a video posted on the team’s Twitter page.
Hesson spoke more about the need for the program. “So we look at who we are going to pair with who and who we think they can generally spend some time together outside of practice, get to know each other a bit, talk about the game.
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For example, Navdeep Saini is paired with Dale Steyn. Steyn has done everything in the world when it comes to rhythm bowling, knows the game from the inside out. Navdeep Saini is extremely talented, he wants to bowl fast, so there is nothing better for the two of you sitting together talking about the rhythm of bowling.
Devdutt Padikkal is paired with Virat Kohli. There is no better mentor for a young developing player. He has ambition, he hits a similar spot in the order. ”
Hesson said the initiative is important to the team’s success. “The part of being on a team is getting to know the people, not just cricket. We have asked our partners to introduce their friends, to tell us some interesting facts about them, something we do not know.
“There are different personalities in a group and the challenge for us is to keep the atmosphere vibrant. The more the group comes together, when you’re in the park and you’re under pressure, you start working together as a team. ”So far, RCB has recorded two wins in three games and will face the Rajasthan Royals here on Saturday.
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