Pravin Amre is not just a veteran coach in the Mumbai domestic circuit, but the former cricketer has also contributed enormously to the development of Indian cricket in various ways.
Contemporary Indian cricketers, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer have all benefited from Amre’s advice.
Emphasising on the importance of backing players, especially when they are struggling to deliver, Amre explained some key aspects of coaching to CricketNext, “Take the case of Shreyas Iyer. When he started, Mumbai did not win but still, we backed him and he became the first Mumbai player to score 1,300 runs or more in a Ranji Trophy season (2015-16).”
“The same applied to Rohit and Ajinkya, their early years were not successful. That’s when I learned the role of a coach. Our job is also at stake when you back such players, others may not like that sometimes. That is the challenge – back your gut feelings.
“Players also need that support system. You work for the institution or association and when the championship is won, you know you have played your role as a coach, and that is where the satisfaction comes,” the 52-year-old added.
Currently, Amre is a part of the Delhi outfit in the Indian T20 League as an assistant coach to former Australian captain, Ricky Ponting. While speaking about coaching established, overseas professionals in the cash-rich league, Amre explained some of the challenges that one can face as a coach.
“We, as coaches, need to be more honest. The Indian T20 League can be more challenging to handle a group of 25 players. Everyone wants to play, those not playing are disappointed. We need to take care of them,” Amre said.
“They also understand that only four foreigners can play in the 11. We have to stick to the team that is doing well, and at the same time keep others ready because the Indian T20 League is such a funny tournament, we don’t know whom we will require at which moment,” he added.
Amre started his coaching stint at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana academy in Mumbai in 2000, and has since enjoyed success with the Mumbai Ranji side as well as India’s Under-19 setup.
Featured Image: AFP/ Dibyangshu Sarkar
