Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), as part of its commitment to improving cricket in mofussil centres, has launched specialist camps for junior-level cricketers to help them hone their skills.

Led by former Indian cricketer and current KSCA President A. Raghuram Bhat, the State cricket body aims to build a robust talent pool across Karnataka, to nurture players who can go on to represent the State and even the National team. Raghuram Bhat has been actively visiting these centres to guide budding cricketers and local coaches.

Star of Mysore caught up with the legendary left-arm orthodox spinner to discuss KSCA’s vision for cricket development outside Bengaluru. Excerpts…

By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

Star of Mysore (SOM): Can you tell us about the KSCA’s plans to boost mofussil cricket in the State?

Raghuram Bhat: We’ve launched year-round academies dedicated to cricket development. Last year, we couldn’t implement this effectively because of a packed schedule of BCCI tournaments, one after the other.

Camps require time so that we can focus on each player individually. Now that we have both the time and resources, KSCA has decided to organise various camps across the year in mofussil zones such as  Mysuru, Tumakuru, Dharwad, Shivamogga, Mangaluru, and Raichur.

SOM: How are these camps going to help young cricketers?

Raghuram Bhat: This year, we’re taking things a step further by organising week-long specialist camps at regular intervals. Talented players selected from across the State will receive focused training in their specific areas of expertise.

In Mysuru, for instance, we have begun with a spinners’ camp, which I am personally supervising. Similarly, we will conduct exclusive camps for wicket-keepers, batsmen and fast bowlers. In addition, we will be organising fielding-specific camps to improve overall agility and fielding standards among the players.

SOM: What role will local coaches play in the camp?

Raghuram Bhat: During my visit, I will identify a pool of talented cricketers from among those attending the camp. Local coaches will be given specific instructions to help these selected players enhance their skills.

These camps serve as a testing ground not only for the cricketers but also for the coaches. We are assessing their coaching abilities too. Our goal is to train and uplift both the players and the coaches at the local level.

SOM: While you are travelling across the State, do you believe we have a talent pool capable of representing the State and the country?

Raghuram Bhat: Absolutely. We have many talented cricketers with solid skills. However, the issue is that some of them are not putting in the required hard work. Since they are naturally gifted, they tend to become complacent — and that mindset needs to change.

That’s precisely why we’ve initiated these specialist camps across KSCA zones. The core idea is to bring these boys back into the disciplined fold of the game and make them understand that cricket demands effort and dedication.

SOM: Speaking of talent, Karnataka didn’t perform well in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments last season.

Raghuram Bhat:  True, but we did win the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is the BCCI’s premier One-Day tournament. One cannot expect Karnataka to win every competition every year. Building a strong team is a process — it takes time.

We are currently grooming a new team with several youngsters, and they’ve shown promise. While that process unfolds, it’s also important for the players to understand their roles, which will collectively help the team succeed.

SOM: With women’s cricket receiving significant attention, what steps has KSCA taken to promote women’s cricket?

Raghuram Bhat: (Points to the girls at the camp) KSCA is committed to supporting women’s cricket and is providing all the necessary facilities. In fact, the girls are more hard-working than the boys. I only need to spend a few minutes with them to explain the basics, and they grasp it quickly. We are extremely pleased with their progress and dedication.

SOM: There are reports that KSCA plans to construct new stadiums in the State. Could you shed some light on that?

Raghuram Bhat: Yes, we are actively planning new infrastructure projects. The Government has already allotted land to KSCA in Tumakuru, and we are in the process of completing the necessary paperwork. Once that’s done, we will begin work on the stadium.

Cricket enthusiasts can also expect good news soon — we are constructing new pavilions in Hassan and Davanagere. Additionally, we’re in discussions to develop a ground in Vijayapura. Our broader vision is to create high-quality cricket infrastructure across all district headquarters, ensuring aspiring cricketers have access to top-class facilities.