Spend more time in nets than gym: Rajasthan Ranji coach Pradeep Sundaram to pacers

Denouncing the over emphasis on gym training these days, Rajasthan Ranji coach Pradeep Sundaram says the medium fast bowlers should spend more time in the nets to remain fit and injury free.

Sundaram, who has the distinction of taking ten wickets in an innings in a Ranji Match, said bowling more and more overs in the nets is key to a fast bowlers' success.

"We used to bowl long spells. Now with number of matches increased, the bowlers are more careful and cautious about their fitness. The gyms have reduced the flexibility and the body snaps like rusted iron when it takes extra load. You certainly need strength from gym but you should also bowl more," the former paceman, who took 16 wickets in a Ranji match against Vidarbha in 1985-86 season, told PTI.

Talking about the youngsters yearning for speed, Sundaram said the pace comes naturally.

"It obviously needs strength and power but it is more about rhythm which comes naturally. But the budding pacers should realise that there is a limit to speed but skill has no limits. You should also try to develop skills of fast bowlers," Sundaram said at the training camp for the Rajasthan Ranji probables.

Sundaram said his team has a good blend of experience and youth.

"The likes of Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Vineet Saxena and few others are there. Ramesh Powar would be an added asset. Powar is an intelligent cricketer and would give us more options. I want be more of a friend to the players than a coach.

"I want to come to their level and give them confidence so they can rely on me and talk about their problems. I feel that there can be a little of mental block which can affect your performance. I am ready to help out the likes of Ashok Menaria and Deepak Chahar who have lost their way after making a sensational debut a couple of years back. If we have Pankaj Singh, Aniket choudhary, Deepak Chahar and Abhimanyu Lamba together with Ramesh Powar we would be having a formidable attack," he said.

"I want to give back to Rajasthan Cricket because I have played for this state for more than a decade. It is a new beginning and I hope we finish at the podium once again," said the newly appointed coach.