Why I Started This Cricket Academy
I built this academy to ensure that talent from any background gets a fair shot at the game I love. Coaching for me isn't just a business—it's about giving back.
In this interview, I share the real reason behind starting this academy. It came from my own journey and my dream to give back to the sport by creating a pathway for the next generation of cricketers, especially those who need the support most.
About My Story: Why I Started This Academy
Growing up in a modest home, I know what it means to fight for every opportunity. When I won the IPL, I didn't want to just rest on that—I wanted to create the platform I never had. My academy is for the middle-class kid who has the talent but gets stopped by the cost. I don't care where you come from or what your background is; if you have the drive, we will find a way to get you on the pitch.
In 2008, when I won the IPL, I realized my life had changed, but the reality for most aspiring cricketers had not. I looked at the local Chembur grounds and saw the same struggles I faced as a boy. Talent is everywhere in Mumbai, but opportunity is often hidden behind high price tags and elite circles. That is why this academy exists.
We are not a fancy coaching center. We are a space for middle-class boys, auto-drivers' sons, and kids from humble families who just want to play. I don't believe in over-polishing technique at the cost of real grit. You need to know how to play on uneven patches and how to handle pressure before you can master the perfectly groomed turfs.
If you come to train with me, expect two things: hard work and honesty. I will tell you exactly where you stand. I don't sugarcoat, and I don't waste time. My coaching is a direct reflection of what legends like Shane Warne taught me—it’s about the mental game, the discipline, and the sheer hunger to improve every single day. If you are here to learn, the door is open. If you are here for a show, this isn't the place for you.
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