Dubai: The Indian cricketer who smashed a six off the first ball he faced on his One Day International (ODI) debut is coming to the UAE and power-hitting is one of the aspects of the game he plans to touch on during a two-day cricket clinic.
Former all-rounder Salil Ankola, who is one of the most colourful characters in Indian cricket, is a celebrity as well, as he used his athletic build as a fast bowler and his good looks to become a television and Bollywood actor.
Ankola was one of the fittest members of Team India during his playing days in the 1990s and is now on a mission. He wants today’s cricketers to understand that fitness, power and technique are vital for success, so he teaches budding cricketers on the dedication and discipline needed for fitness, in addition to giving tips on the art of fast bowling.
G Force Academy is organising Ankola’s cricket clinic at the Dubai World Trade Centre indoor stadium this week under the banner of the ongoing Dubai Sports World.
Speaking to Gulf News from Mumbai, Ankola said: “In these days of instant and power cricket, one needs to be fit, explosive and have super reflexes. It’s a different ball game from the past.
“One needs to understand the nuances in training methods, diet, fitness regimes and the techniques of power hitting and bowling variation. You have to be on your toes and alert all the time.
“I have spent a lot of time researching, observing closely and learning these techniques and hence want to impart it to the youngsters who have the talent and will to make it big. So I am looking forward to conducting the clinic on a high note with G Force Cricket Academy.”
When Ankola was asked about his record of hitting the first ball of his debut for six, and that too off Pakistan’s most respected and accurate pacer Imran Khan, he said: “Well that six was not planned but I knew Imran Khan would bowl me a bouncer and I was ready for it. Luckily it went for a six. Only Desmond Haynes and I share this special record.”
Ankola made his Test and one-day debuts in Pakistan with his Mumbai teammate Sachin Tendulkar — in the Karachi Test and Gujranwala One Day International in 1989.
He had caught the attention of the Indian selectors with a stupendous debut for Bombay in the 1988-89 season, when he took a hat-trick and cracked 43 runs against Gujarat. He followed that up with a six-wicket haul against Baroda.
He got to play in only one Test match but appeared in 20 ODI matches, in which he picked up 13 wickets. Though Ankola did not get to play Twenty20 in his prime, even at the age of 46 he now plays that version of the game and could be seen in action during the Masters Champions League (MCL) alongside legendary cricketers in the UAE next year.
“I do play Twenty20 now at club level and in acting fraternity matches. Hopefully I will be able to play in the MCL next year and that would be super,” said Ankola, whose clinic will be held on Friday and Saturday. Email gforcecricket@gmail.com for registration.
