CABThe Cricket Association of Bengal

Lal advices team to stick to basics


28th October 2018
Newly appointed Bengal team mentor today said cricket was about runs, wickets and catches, all else was overrated even team spirit.
The final day of the camp before Ranji Trophy began saw the Bengal team sweating it out at the Salt Lake Campus of Jadavpur University under head coach Sairaj Bahutule and newly appointed mentor Arun Lal.
Bengal players had net sessions with Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly, Jt. Secretary Avishek Dalmiya and skipper Manoj Tiwary in the attendance.
Sourav was seen having a lengthy chat with Sairaj Bahutule. He then saw the batsmen at the nets and talked to them also. Before leaving he also had a few words with Arun Lal.

Returning from Deodhar Trophy Tiwary was present at the ground today, but did not practice. Bengal will leave tomorrow for their first Ranji Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh on 1 November.
From Ganguly giving batting tips to Sreevats Goswami to mentor Lal giving pep talk to the skipper it was all about a determined and upbeat side at the practice.
When Lal was asked about what will be his message to the team after a disappointing start to the season in Vijay Hazare Trophy, he said: "I believe cricket is about wickets, runs, catches and run outs. Do not complicate the game. Score runs, take wickets and win the game. Everything else is overrated even team spirit or boost or moral. When you have grabbed the opportunity to represent your state what more moral do you need?"

"There is a disappointment obviously cause it's not easy to lose. That's what cricket teaches you, to handle failure. Never let your disappointment get the better you. Just try harder to perform better in the next match," he added.
"I just told him (Tiwary) to do his job. He has the ability and the fitness level to be here. I just told him to enjoy the game," when asked about what pep talk he has given to the Bengal skipper separately during today's practice session.
"I felt deep sense of honor. I hold Bengal Cricket very close to my heart. Everything I have got in life is from Bengal and cricket," Lal said after taking up his new job.

CAB MEDIA DESK
Rio Dutta