DDCA employs psychiatrist

New Delhi:

What is the similarity between Sandy Gordon, Rudi Webster and Samir Parikh?

Well, Samir Parikh is rendering help to the Delhi cricket team on the lines of what Gordon and Webster did to Team India.

While with a little help from Dr Parikh, the Delhi cricket team is hoping to reach the Ranji semi final stages this season, their first big hurdle will be, Pakistan.

Viraat Kohli has a huge appetite for runs. Experts believe he has the potential to play for India, and Dr Parikh will introduce him to exercises that should help him realise his dreams.

Dr Parikh is a psychiatrist who has been hired by the DDCA to help the Delhi team overcome performance blocks that have hit them over the last few seasons.

"Unlike the conventional methods of putting a group together, we are addressing each individual player so that they achieve their potential," said Dr Parikh.

"Bringing all these additional help will not completely change their performance. The boys felt that this will help them mentally,' said Vijay Dahiya, Coach, Delhi Ranji Team.

So the first big hurdle for the Delhi cricket team this season will be their match against Pakistan. DDCA is trying to provide them with facilities to ensure that the team puts up a good show. Employing a psychiatrist is just one of them. However the team is also looking to derive long term help from him to better its performance.

The last time Delhi team reached the semi finals of Ranji was under the captaincy of Vijay Dahiya in the 2003-2004 season. In his new role as coach, Dahiya is hoping to revive Delhi's fortunes with some radical new ideas including hiring the services of Samir Parikh. The players are already feeling the change.

"After speaking to him today I feel that he has told me a certain things which will be a value addition to my game probably will be able to tell you better at the end of the season," said Akaash Chopra, Member, Delhi Ranji Team.

Its early days still, but Samir Parikh's techniques have already lifted the mood in the Delhi Camp. And as most legends of the game will tell you, while half the battle is won on the field, the other half is won in the mind.