Cricket is a game one masters at after a lot of practice. Even the greatest of players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Lara, and Don Bradman practiced for endless hours almost daily since they were kids to be able attain high levels of success in cricket. Regardless of how talented you are, not practicing hard on various things including your technique and fitness will not let you succeed.
Here are some tips coming straight from experts to help you emerge as a pro-level cricketer:
1. There will be Better Players than You!
The sooner you accept this fact, the better! After all, when playing at a competitive level, you are bound to encounter with players inferior and superior than you. So instead of feeling insecure or jealous, simply get inspired and learn from their way of playing while focusing on your natural game. Utilize your time in improving your own game than thinking about other players.
2. Nothing should Reach your Head
Let not success or failure reach your head. The greatest of players go through this phase. Experts believe that this is the best phase of your career. Evaluate yourself and focus on getting your skills improved.
3. Body Strength is Important
Maxwell and Pollard are known for their amazing skill to smash ball out of park. Brett Lee, Shoaib Akhtar and Shaun Tait have bowled at 140 plus. They are fit and have strength to give their best. For a cricketer to be successful he/she needs stronger muscles, strong legs and shoulders, and robust forearms. Lack of strength is a no-no for this sport. Focus on doing a lot of cardio, running, weight-lifting, and stretching exercises.
4. Let Not Bad Form Deter You from Your Future Goals!
Even the greatest of players such as Ganguly, Sehwag, Ponting etc. have outdone rough patches. Ganguly and Sehwag were even dropped from national team wherein Ponting was sacked from captaincy. However, these are the same players who are the most successful captains & batsman in the history of cricket.
Sehwag also managed to make a comeback and score 8000 test runs with 14 double centuries. He also managed to have 2 triple hundreds to his credit. Bad form should not suppress your talent. Let it pass soon.
5. Be Cool
There may be bad days. It is natural. You may feel less lucky than other players while getting dropped from the team or when people refuse to select or buy you. Your injuries might not let you practice well. The best thing to do is face these days to be able to gather ample strength and resistance to survive situations in life.
6. Refine your Skills and Technique Daily
Yes, this is important even when you performing like a star in the field. Nothing should stop you focusing on your game and techniques. It is important that you make consistent efforts to improve it. So work daily and practice so that you discover something new every day to improve your game.
7. Patience & Flexibility
These are considered as core elements when playing a high intensity match. Some players start getting impatient and hitting ball aggressively especially when they see the target. However, it is not wise to do so. A good cricketer must exercise some patience and focus on the following:
- Assess the field
- Analyze players
- Spend time at the crease
Playing reckless shots is a strict no-no. Bowlers should not fall under pressure even when thrashed for many runs under a small target. The idea is to simply bowl to basics and strength. The player should simultaneously focus on natural game. Some of the classic examples of patience and flexibility at the crease can be seen in amazing players of India such as MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman in ODI’s and T20’s. Similarly, bowlers from foreign countries such as Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, and Glenn Mcgrath have also practiced patience and resilience on the field.
Tip from the Expert
Legendary cricketer Tendulkar had once said that youngsters must be ready to work really hard to be able to get success in their cricket career. “I had a dream to play for India and win the World Cup. It was a long journey. You should sweat out as much as the water used by the groundsman to maintain the field,” advised the legendary batsman to young aspirants.
