Unlocking Potential: A Cricket Coaching Camp's Impact on Identity

This essay narrates a transformative experience at a cricket coaching camp, detailing how it led to a significant shift in personal identity. The author, initially an average cricket player, joined the camp with the aim of improving physical fitness and skills. However, the 45-day camp became a pivotal point, revealing hidden potential and special qualities. Under the guidance of professional coaches, the author discovered a talent for spin bowling and a strategic understanding of the game. This newfound skill not only enhanced the author's cricketing abilities but also instilled a sense of purpose and objectivity, positively impacting various aspects of life beyond the sport. The experience transformed the author from an ordinary cricketer into a 'thinking cricketer,' equipped with sportsman spirit and a clear direction for future endeavors. Desklib provides similar essays and study tools for students.

The exploration of an identity that changed my world
The game of Cricket is a religion in my country, we all play cricket during our leisure time. I was
an average cricket player and often joined local clubs to be a part of friendly matches until a few
years ago when I joined a summer camp with some professional cricket coaches. My primary
intention to join this camp was related to maintaining good physical fitness while learning a few
tricks to improve my skills with the game of cricket.
I was not aware of the fact that the span of 45 days inside that coaching camp will change my world
completely. During this period I learned the biggest lesson of my life. This lesson says that “we all
possess special qualities and immense potential, all we need is the right direction and some experts who
can introduce us to our own specialties which we are not able to see”. I can discuss this journey with
the help of a “before and after scale.”
When I joined this coaching camp, I was an ordinary batsman, decent fielder, and an above-average
bowler. The first week was tough on me because professional coaches introduced us to hard physical
exercises, I even thought of skipping the camp on some occasions. However, on the 8th day, they invited
us for a bowling trial and told us to grip the ball in different ways. After bowling some 18 deliveries,
senior coach Anshuman summoned me up and introduced me to the concept of spin bowling. He told
me that I can utilize my fingers and wrists in various permutations and combinations to come up with
some deliveries that can dodge the batsmen and make their life miserable during their stints.

The identification of a new skill and interoduction to the new techniques of spin bowling changed my
perception about the game and added a purpose and accuracy in my bowling stints. I discovered that I
have a great capacity to read the mind of a batsman and play with it by putting some challenges in front
of him. Prior to joining the coaching classes, I was a cricketer, however, the right direction given by my
coaches converted me into a “thinking cricketer.” I got a definitive direction, during the practice
matches, I realized that my abilities can be utilized while playing under the setup of a team. I realized
that I can act as a troubleshooter by applying my skills and versatility during crunch situations.
After the completion of the coaching, I rejoined the club cricket, however, this time I gained a new
status of being a strike bowler and useful allrounder. The roads of becoming a professional cricketer
demand undivided attention and hard work. I am aware of the fact that I cannot devote that much of
time to the game of cricket. However, this realization of my special abilities and skills in the field left a
positive impact on me and awarded me with objectivity to check my position in various other pursuits of
the life that I am undertaking. Now I can proudly say that apart from cricketing skills, I also gained
sportsman spirit from that coaching and this spirit will guide me throughout in my life in every pursuit
that I will undertake.