Amarnath calls for consistency from Goa

PANAJI: Goan cricketers should consider themselves lucky. If one day, former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin turns up in their dressing room for a pep talk, there is a World Cup winner knocking on their doors next.

Mohinder Amarnath, Man-of-the Match in the 1983 World Cup final against West Indies, interacted with Goa's senior and junior cricketers ahead of the team announcement for Vijay Hazare Trophy. The interaction was part of the Goa Cricket Association’s initiative to invite legends to Goa and motivate the players.

"Whatever you have performed in the past, is history. You have to look ahead with a positive frame of mind and feel I am good enough to represent Goa. I keep a track of you guys. You have a mindset that you are representing Goa and that's it. That's not enough. You lose a game by a run or 100, it doesn't matter. The result says you lost. So, when you go for a game, you must prepare well. Be thorough professional," said Amarnath, who was a consultant with GCA in the past.

Fondly known as Jimmy, the former India allrounder gave examples of cricketing greats like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara, Sourav Ganguly and others whose sharp observation skills made a big difference.

"Once we were playing West Indies in their backyard. Malcolm Marshal was at his best and besides Gavaskar, all (of us) struggled against the bouncers. Later, Gavaskar told us that he noticed that when Marshal was to bowl a bouncer, he used to pull his trousers on the left side. It was an effort ball. Nobody other than Gavaskar noticed it, so a small observation and focus at all times go a long way," said Amarnath.

Amarnath emphasised on performing consistently. “Most famous players were successful because they were consistent. They would do well in a game and forget about it. Start afresh in a new game. Don't be happy with your 20, 30, 40 score. In four-day game, you have to carry on. Once you get a start, just stick to your strength,” he said.

Amarnath also provided an insight into training at the nets and facing a match situation.

“I see guys play great in nets and are happy with it. If they do well in nets, it’s fine, but you must have a purpose. Train in nets as if you are playing a match. You try something for thousand times in nets, it will help you in the match eventually. You are not under stress in nets, while match situation is a different ball game.

“Many times, as a batsman, you think the guy coming next will finish the job. No. It is your job as a batsman to finish. Be responsible and don’t blame conditions, opposition or anything. Never be happy with your contribution. Aim for doing better and if you want to be noticed, you must be doing something better than rest,” said Amarnath.