Top Indian spinner to coach in UAE

Dubai: Padmakar Shivalkar, one of India's greatest spinners and the highest wicket taker for Mumbai, will provide tips to cricketers in Dubai and Sharjah.

"We have decided to make our summer camp a very special one by flying in Shivalkar, one of India's best spinners and Lalchand Rajput, the coach of the Indian team that lifted the Twenty20 World Cup in 2007," remarked Sudhakar Shetty, the head of Max Talent cricket academy to Gulf News.

"The summer camp will be held from July 7 to August 28 at the Sharjah Wanderers Club and at Al Nasr Sports Club in Dubai," added Shetty.

It was Shivalkar's deadly spells with his left-arm orthodox spin that guided Mumbai to a record number of victories in the Ranji Trophy tournament. Though almost every season Shivalkar emerged as the highest wicket taker in domestic cricket, he was not fortunate to clinch a place in the Indian team due to selectors' reluctance to try out a new face other than Bishen Singh Bedi, who performed consistently.

Shivalkar, who was known for his fitness, retired only at the age of 50. He made his first class debut in 1961 and played on till 1988. He bagged 589 wickets from first class cricket.

His spell of 8 for 16 and 5 for 18 in a Ranji Trophy final against Tamil Nadu is regarded as the one of the greatest bowling displays in a domestic cricket match.

"Shivalkar's tips will be useful for all budding bowlers while Rajput, who is also National Cricket Academy's batting coach, can provide tips on all other aspects of the game," said Shetty, who will also be organising a double and single wicket tournament during the camp.