Dubai: Subodh Chhabria, a tall 43-year-old leg spinner, had been a part of the England team’s net practice sessions over the last two days. He impressed all the England batsmen who are preparing hard to counter Pakistan’s spin attack and were delighted with Chhabria’s youthful enthusiasm. A former club cricketer from Mumbai, Chabbria ensured that all his deliveries were pitched on a good line and length and were not wasted, making the batsmen play them.
Chhabria knows how to bowl at the nets to world class batsmen as it is a dream he had pursued and achieved. “Like all young cricketers, I too wanted to play for my country but when I knew it may not happen I chose to become a bowler who would be good enough to bowl to world class batsmen. I have been a net bowler for Australia, India, England Lions, IPL teams Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Ranji Trophy team. I am most happy when all international players appreciate my deliveries.”
Chhabria had once bowled to Team India for five hours in November 2012 at Brabourne Stadium nets. “Though I did not get to play for India, I have had the joy of having practised with them and bowled to legendary batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. I believe in the motto that anyone who tries hard never loses.”
If one finds Chhabria trying hard to emulate Shane Warne’s action, there is a reason. “Due to my eagerness to improve as a bowler I went to train under Warne’s mentor and coach Terry Jenner, staying with him in Adelaide in 2004,” said Chhabria, who has now done ICC GCA Level 1 coaching programme under Rodney Marsh, Dayle Hadlee and Mudassar Nazar.
Chabbria played in Mumbai’s top clubs like Cricket Club of India (CCI), Khar Gymkhana and in 2009 went to the UK and played for Brook Cricket Club in the Surrey Championship and emerged as the highest wicket taker of the season with 75 wickets.
“It was a delight to bowl to the England team here as everyone from Head Coach Trevor Bayliss, Mahela Jayawardene and all the players were so supportive. Spinner Adil Rashid even shared his experiences with me. It is another unforgettable experience for me,” he said.
