Some of my bowling videos for study

Situations and reasons beyond control had put me off cricket for many months for the first time ever, in the meanwhile, there was a fracture of the little toe following a freak accident at home when a crowbar came crashing down on it! So unable to wear shoes for 2 months. That is just one of them.

When I resumed playing again in late August, I thought of studying how my bowling action was - a long time dream! Even these little pocket digital cameras can do the videos now! Spotted some minor things that asked for being bettered. The shoot helped, which a teammate did.



After nearly two months, another short session was done but by this time the feeling was the old usual thing and the little nit had been sharpened out because I was aware. My other dream still stays as a dream.. that of watching myself bowling during an actual match. Because the effort that goes in during a match situation is probably one gear higher. That is the real thing. So let's see when that will be happening. I've seen people shooting videos at one or two tournament matches out of Mysore, but since I know they were for some 'record purposes' I have never bothered to procure a copy.



Now even under-19 state and zone teams are having a 'video analyst' traveling with them. This I learnt from my good friend from North Zone, Pitambar Dutt who introduced me to his colleague who was one, when their team was here in Mysore some months back. This is how technology can help a player improve further and further.

*****

This is Sharath Babu, a youngster with lots of talent.

At the receiving end

Our team, The Mysore Gymkhana is used to be at the 'receiving end' - happily receiving trophies after winning matches! But we members (barring a few) are not that accustomed to be at the 'receiving end' of this sort - receiving honours on stage. Click on the above "print screen image". I was forced into that situation. Was feeling as uncomfortable as facing Joel Garner bouncers... because.... people that know me for a long time know why. I was prepared to face and take bouncers on the shoulders but not a garland landing softly and affectionately on the shoulders! I was hearing the applause from the small gathering, as it landed.

No doubt it is an honour to be at such 'receiving end' situations sometimes. That was another feather in the cap... not mine... but our team's. But for the team, this would not have come by. Also, on that day we were winning the first ever T20 tournament in Mysore, to follow up the fine show this season and having won the Mysore Zone league and the Gopalswami Tournament final in a 3-day game. That amounts to winning all three versions in cricket equivalent of 100m, 200m and the 800m races! That was a good feeling, better than the garland!

Here are a few pictures my friend Gokul Swamy took and sent them over to me. I'm thankful for him being so thoughtful.