Apurva Desai, one of the big names in cricket coaching in Indian domestic cricket, has been appointed as a batting consultant for Nepal's national cricket team and he is currently giving the cricketers valuable tips to enhance their batting techniques.
The landlocked country bordered by India and China recently received International Cricket Council's (ICC) One Day International (ODI) status for the first time in its history.
Twelve teams from around the world held the ICC's ODI status, but in June 2018 the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Scotland, and the Netherlands were added.
Obtaining ODI status will give Nepal more opportunities to play one-day international tournaments, and the appointment of Desai as a batting consultant may provide them with a competitive edge when they play in the new format.
Nepal cricket team batting consultant Apurva Desai. Source: Apurva Desai
Speaking after his appointment, Apurva Desai told SBS Gujarati, "Nepal's team was struggling with their batting techniques and skills as the format is quite new for them. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) asked me for the help."
"But, I am contracted with BCCI's National Cricket Academy (NCA) at Bangalore as a visiting faculty, I got special permission from the board to join Nepal cricket team."
In his three-week stint with Nepal's national team, Desai headed a one-week closed camp in Kathmandu followed by three practice matches playing against Sri Lankan domestic teams in Sri Lanka.
The team is currently participating in the Asia Cup Qualifiers in Malaysia.
Opportunity for the Asia Cup
"My primary aim is to qualify the team for the Asia Cup. If we (Nepal) will win the qualifying tournament, we will compete against India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the Asia Cup in Dubai from 15th September," said Desai.
Bating consultant Apurva Desai seen giving tips to Nepal cricket team batsman. Source: Apurva Desai
Bright future ahead
Speaking on Nepal's potential for cricket, Apurva Desai said: "Nepal's team is full of youngsters, most of the players in the team are under 19. The team is frequently getting opportunities to play on a foreign soil which could give them extra benefit in upcoming seasons. I believe, Nepal has a bright future in the game."
Nepalese are cricket crazy
During his one-week training camp in Kathmandu, Desai said he has seen nation's craze for the game.
"They are cricket crazy people, they love the game and support their team. I think Nepal has a potential to give the best cricketers to the world.
Nepal needs more overseas tournaments
"Nepal has players like Paras Khadka and Gyanendra Malla, who can win matches for the country. Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane is playing in Delhi Daredevils team in IPL, but many young players in the team are inexperienced and need to play more cricket outside Asia.
Frequent overseas tournaments will give them the experience of playing in different conditions," said Desai.
Apurva Desai has been serving with National Cricket Academy (NCA) for nine years where he gives tips to Under-19 and India's 'A' cricketers.
Apurva Desai is giving tips to Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik. Source: Apurva Desai
He also worked as a talent scout for Kolkata Knight Riders team in IPL and was recently credited for Indian Wicket keeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik's explosive knock of 8-ball 29 runs in Tri-series in Sri Lanka.
