CHENNAI: Indian off-spinner R Ashwin’s Gen-Next Cricket Academy is launching a High Performance Centre to groom youngsters for the future, with personal attention.
Ashwin said the aim was to help youngsters get their basics right and train in a professional manner. Former Tamil Nadu opener Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan is the chief coach. Rajamani will be the trainer, while Ashwin himself will be available to interact with youngsters when in town. This will the academy’s special programme, apart from the regular weekend coaching. “It’s a one stop shop for everything, and whatever is required is here. We want to take the facility to something where kids want to come. I’m looking to replicate something like the MRF Pace Foundation at grass-root level,” said Ashwin.
“I’m looking for people from in and around Tamil Nadu. And the number of students is limited to 20. Numbers are limited so that everyone gets individual attention. We already have 15 members,” added Ashwin.
Vidyut said that individual attention was their USP. “It’s more about quality rather than quantity. It’s difficult for a coach to handle more people, so if the numbers are less, then I can spend more time with them. So, it’ll be different from other cricket academies around the city,” said Vidyut.
Ashwin said the fee structure would be Rs 15000 to Rs 20000 per month. But if someone cannot afford it, but is talented, he would sponsor them.
The 28-year-old added that players will train throughout the week, with a one-day break. “Training will be intense, with five training sessions and a couple of fielding sessions done by Rajamani and Vidyut. Selection comes on a first come first serve basis. We just see how interested they are.”