Tuesday 01 / April / 2025
Muscat: Indian skipper Virat Kohli's illustrious coach Rajkumar Sharma has words of praise for Oman cricket and expressed his keenness to help out if required.
Dronacharya Award winner Rajkumar Sharma, speaking from New Delhi, said he was happy to follow the progress of cricket in Oman and was surprised by the achievements lately, including the World T20 qualification.
"I am game for anything and I am ready to help, if the governing body of cricket in Oman needs my services," said a candid Sharma in his telephonic chat with Times Sport.
Sharma, who has been in the news lately especially after Kohli scored his career-best double ton in Mumbai, is due in Oman on an invite from Bosher Olympic Centre (BOC) for Cricket.
A former Delhi Ranji Trophy player, Sharma is excited to visit Oman and meet the budding cricketers of BOC and special thanks to Deepak Kumar, Chairman of Balabel Group, based in Sohar. In fact, it was Deepak, a close friend of Shrama, helped in this successful invitation from BOC.
"I love to share my knowledge with the kids and highlight the points necessary to become a top class cricketer," he said.
His visit is part of the BOC's programme to bring reputed coaches to Oman to impart advanced training and Sharma, who will conduct training in two sessions — morning and evening — will arrive in Muscat on Wednesday night. His sessions will be from December 22 to 26 according to BOC official.
'Kohli can wait'
Meanwhile, the chat also touched upon Kohli's future.
Will the Indian skipper take over as captain of the ODI and T20 teams as well?
Sharma quipped, what's wrong with Dhoni?
"Dhoni has been India's best captain in all formats and he has been the driving force in making India No.1 in all three formats. Dhoni might have retired from Tests, but he still has a lot in him in the shorter formats," said Sharma.
"Kohli can wait until Dhoni decides to hang his boots," he said. "Kohli himself has been an admirer of Dhoni and admits that he has been inspired by former Test skipper all these years."
On the change he has noticed in Kohli's temperament, Sharma said that the Indian skipper has been aggressive even as a child.
"Yes he did not have a good temperament then, but he was not matured then. But he has not crossed the red line ever," noted Sharma.
"The early success, especially the U-19 World Cup win under him had pumped his aggression more, but later as he matured he understood what qualities make him the best," he added.
On Kohli's career-best knock in Mumbai early this month, Sharma said he was lucky to be there at the stadium.
“It came under difficult batting conditions. It was a big responsibility and the knock was simply superb," said the proud coach, who runs the West Delhi Cricket Academy which has many branches all over the Indian capital city.
"When he went out to bat he had expressed his desire to play a long innings and the way he played was just great."
Meanwhile, Sharma said he is sure that India will hold on to their Test No.1 position for long.
"India has passed the transition period since the top names had retired. Now we have the best talent who have settled into a rhythm. This team will continue to do well and also excel away from home. This well-balanced strong outfit can win anywhere," he pointed out.
Coming back to his Oman visit late this week, Sharma said he can't wait to meet the budding cricketers before signing off. "I thank BOC and Deepak for providing me the opportunity to visit Oman."
According to BOC official Sandesh Dhuri apart from the BOC wards, the training sessions with Rajkumar Sharma are also open for other interested participants. For details call on 99334173 or visit [email protected]
