Kolkata Knight Riders launch academy to nurture talent
Two-time champions of the Indian Premier League- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have launched an academy to nurture young players. The idea is to connect with cricketers beyond the IPL season and develop them into world-class talent. The 'KKR Academy' is the first-of-its kind by an IPL franchise. KKR's young guns are expected to benefit from this move. Here is more on the same.
Abhishek Nayar appointed head coach of academy
Abhishek Nayar, who worked as a consultant during 2018 season, has been appointed as the academy's head coach. The consultant to the first team will be assisted by AR Srikkanth and Omkar Salvi. Srikkanth worked as a video analyst while Salvi was the bowling coach in IPL 2018. KKR had finished third in the IPL 2018.
What is the idea behind the academy?
Nayar stated that the main idea behind this is to help budding cricketers with their careers. Nayar believes that youngsters should not just come to train during IPL, play a few games and go away. KKR want to understand these players in and out and contribute in their overall growth. Beyond IPL, this academy will also help players in their domestic stints.
WATCH: The objectives of the academy
A big step for KKR's promising youngsters
The camp is underway in Bengaluru with several youngsters like Rinku Singh, Apoorv Wankhade, Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill participating in it. Five more cricketers are expected to join the camp. KKR young guns like Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi and Shubman Gill had an excellent season in 2018. With the promise these KKR youngsters have shown, the academy is crucial for their growth.
KKR have gone the football way
KKR have gone the right path. With several football academies in India gaining recognition, this is a positive step. Foreign clubs have opened academies in India for scouting talented teenagers. Even the country has many academies of its own. The Tata Football Academy, Kolkata Regional Academy, Goa Elite Academy and Bhaichung Bhutia Football School are some prime examples.
