Sandeep Dhuri’s Dual Role: Coaching Young Cricketers and Enhancing Global Cricket in the UAE
GLOBAL GOENKARS IN SPORT – 2
DOHA
After concluding his distinguished playing career in the UAE, Sandeep Dhuri naturally transitioned into a coaching role. Known for his stylish and compact batting as a top-order player, Sandeep was a pivotal figure in the Goan Ranji Trophy team during his era. His smooth transition from a prominent player to a coach underscores his deep connection to the game and his commitment to nurturing future cricketing talent.
Advancing Coaching Credentials
Sandeep’s journey into coaching has been marked by a rigorous pursuit of advanced education and certification. He has achieved Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 coaching certifications under the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This progression in his coaching qualifications reflects his dedication to enhancing his expertise and ensuring that he can provide the highest level of instruction to his trainees. By acquiring these certifications, Sandeep has positioned himself as a knowledgeable and skilled coach, committed to the development of cricket in the UAE and beyond.
Dual Coaching Roles in the UAE
Currently, Sandeep Dhuri plays a dual role in the cricketing landscape of the UAE. He serves as the coach at the Zayed Cricket Academy (ZCA) and as the head coach of the Abu Dhabi men’s team. In his role at ZCA, Sandeep is responsible for a diverse group of approximately 300 trainees. These young cricketers, ranging from five-year-olds to 19-year-olds, are trained at the international cricket stadium, providing them with an exceptional environment to develop their skills.
Sandeep takes immense pride in his affiliation with ZCA, describing it as the premier cricket academy in the UAE. “Being part of the best academy in the UAE is something I’m extremely proud of. The facilities and the level of talent here are outstanding, and it’s a privilege to contribute to such a prestigious institution,” Sandeep stated.
Passion and Commitment to Coaching
Sandeep’s passion for cricket is evident in his transition from player to coach. He views coaching as a means to stay closely connected to the sport he loves. “I had a passion for the game, and after my playing days, I felt that coaching was the best way to remain engaged with cricket. Sharing my knowledge and experience with young players and helping them improve is my primary focus,” he explained.
In his role as a Level 3 Asian Cricket Coach and ICC Level 2 Master Educator for Asia, Sandeep is involved in the development of coaches and educators across various regions. His responsibilities include conducting coaching programs and workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of cricket coaches and tutors. “Last year, we conducted three major programs. We trained Level 1 tutors for the Oman Cricket Association, organized a comprehensive program for the entire Asian continent with 14 participating countries, and ran several training sessions in the UAE to support local coaches,” Sandeep detailed. These initiatives are part of Sandeep’s broader commitment to the global advancement of cricket.
Enhancements to Cricket Facilities in Goa
Reflecting on the cricket infrastructure in Goa, Sandeep has praised the efforts of the current panel of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA). “The new and dynamic panel of the GCA is doing a commendable job. They are making significant strides in promoting cricket in Goa. The opening of new venues and the upgrading of existing facilities are positive developments,” Sandeep noted.
He highlighted the revitalization of cricket in Vasco, a region that had previously struggled with inadequate facilities. “In the past, Vasco was a major contributor to the state team, but cricket there dwindled due to a lack of facilities. The new GCA panel is working to revive cricket in Vasco. Grounds like Chicalim and MPT are now seeing cricketing activities again, which is a promising sign,” Sandeep remarked.
Suggestions for the Growth of Goan Cricket
Sandeep has also offered suggestions for further improving Goan cricket. He emphasized the need for both better infrastructure and quality coaching. “In addition to improving infrastructure, it is crucial to increase the number of tournaments, especially for various age groups. This will help in discovering local talent, running high-performance coaching programs, and preparing players for the future. Establishing more academies throughout Goa with excellent facilities and strong coaching support is essential,” he advised.
He expressed hope for the future success of the Goa Ranji team. “I aspire to see the Goa Ranji team performing consistently at the national level. I am optimistic that the new ideas and initiatives from the GCA panel will lead to significant improvements in our team’s performance,” Sandeep stated.
Reflections on Goa’s Cricketing Heritage
Sandeep reminisced about the time when Goa’s cricketing success was built on local talent rather than guest players. “During my playing days, we relied on home-grown talent. Our Ranji Trophy side was strong, and there was no need to bring in guest cricketers,” he recalled.
He acknowledged the potential benefits of incorporating guest players to enhance the team’s performance. “Introducing one or two high-quality guest players could be beneficial. They can help improve the team’s performance and also assist in mentoring young cricketers, preparing them to excel in the future,” Sandeep concluded.