Cricket with Praneeth Kumar

Hello,

I have over 15 years of professional cricketing experience including playing for the Hyderabad Ranji Cricket Team, in India's most prestigious and challenging cricket tournament, the Ranji Trophy. Apart from this, I've also been mentored in the National Cricket Academy when I was 16 years old, an academy reserved for top performers in the National Circuit. During the course of my professional career, I've been involved in informal mentoring of some Ranji (Hyderabad Seniors) teammates, a few of them who have eventually gone on to play for the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL), like Akshat Reddy (DC & SRH) & B. Sandeep (SRH) among others. To build my coaching career, I've completed an 'Introduction Course' by the National Coach Accreditation by Cricket Australia & 'ICC Level 1' Coaching License Course.


Why do I Coach?
→ Cricket is my passion and my life’s purpose. From as early as I can remember, excelling in Cricket has been my aim in life. I was identified as a natural talent when I was 11, and was made a captain of the under 13s. By 14, I was convinced of my calling as a Cricketer. I was South Zone’s highest scorer in 2005 and was recommended to the NCA in 2006.

What do I do in Coaching?
→ I focus on knowing the person first, and building a coaching program suited to their psychological state, mentality and character demands. Once I know what the person is, and what is the way they understand instruction, I then create a development plan with clearly identified ‘development needs’ specifically suited to the individual needs. I also offer constructive feedback and correction when required to help the player see the big picture and work towards overall development, including Mental Fortitude, Skill, Technique and Fitness. Playing 20 balls in the nets well is easy, but playing 30 overs in the sun, facing attacking balls all day is not easy. The differentiator is Core Strength, Mental Strength and Determination. I build these skills first.

Who am I as a Coach?
→ I believe in personality development to build a player from the core - up. I focus on knowing the person first, and building a coaching program suited to their psychological state, mentality and character demands. Skills and technique are important skills however the way it is imparted will make the difference between mentoring and teaching. I believe in helping the student understand why a particular instruction is given before they understand what the instruction is. I am a Mentor-Coach who focuses on identifying the player’s perspective before training him/her. I understand a lot of kids come from different situations and a one-size approach does not fit all.

How do I Coach?
→ I get to know my players and spend enough time 1v1 to build relationships. I coach by example. I do not just instruct, I also demonstrate myself what I expect of them. I also work hard to expose them to the pressures and conditions of a competitive match when they are ready for it, to build resolve and reinforce their confidence levels.

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