My Coaching Philosophy: Building Thinking Cricketers
I don’t just teach cricket skills; I build thinking players. My philosophy is simple: you have to connect with a student before you can correct their technique, because true performance starts in the mind.
In an interview with Zoom Cricket, I discuss my coaching philosophy. I talk about why I got into coaching and my focus on creating 'thinking players' by connecting with them on a personal level.
My advice to young players: Don't think about selection, focus on being the best player you can be. Here I explain how temperament and mindset separate good players from great ones.
A core part of my philosophy. I believe athletes perform best when they play with freedom and love for the game, not with the pressure of proving themselves to others.
It's always rewarding to hear from players who have trained with me. Here's a testimonial from Ansh Bhoje, a club cricketer from the USA, who shares his experience at my academy.
About My Coaching Philosophy
You can have the best technique in the world, but if you panic under pressure, you won't survive. In my academy at Dombivli, we don't just fix your grip or stance; we break down why you are making the same mistakes. I spend as much time on your head as I do on your swing because a cricketer who thinks for themselves is the only one who wins matches. If you are ready to stop just playing and start understanding the game, let's talk.
Connect Before You Correct
I never had a mentor who could explain the 'why' behind my mistakes when I was playing. Most coaches just say 'hit the ball harder' or 'bowl tighter', but that doesn't help you when the pressure is on. My academy is built on the belief that coaching is a relationship. If I don't know what you are thinking, I can't help you fix it. I focus on the mental space of the athlete. When you play to prove things to others, you make bad decisions. When you play with freedom, you perform.
Creating Thinking Players
We train boys and girls from U12 to U23+ to be students of the game. A non-thinking player just follows instructions. A thinking player understands match situations, reads the bowler's intent, and adapts when the plan changes. Whether you are aiming for the Harris Shield, Kalpesh Koli, or MCA selection matches, the requirement is the same: discipline and temperament. We create that temperament through simulation, tactical debriefs, and honest conversations after the nets.
The Reality of Performance
Cricket in Mumbai is not for the faint-hearted. It is competitive and unforgiving. My role as a coach is to prepare you for that reality. We don't just do drills; we do match simulations that mirror the pressure of official tournaments. If you are serious about your cricket, you need a coach who tells you the truth about your game, not one who just tells you what you want to hear.
Cricket Explained
I am Hrishikesh Puranik, founder of Cricket Explained. I started this academy because I wanted to provide the mentorship I never had as a player. We focus on building character and mental toughness, ensuring every student learns to own their game.
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