India can field two national cricket teams: Chandu Borde

CRICKET:  Former Indian skipper Chandu Borde, is so impressed with the current Indian team that he feels India can field two separate squads of equal strength. “We have so much talent in our country today that we can easily field two teams,” Borde stated, while inaugurating a cricket academy named after him at a school in Noida. “Indian cricket has a very bright future. In our days we did not have anybody training us specifically in fielding. “Nowadays with support staff training players specifically in fielding, our players are living up to their standards. “Players nowadays get more opportunities to showcase their talent because of the league system in the Ranji Trophy.

In our days, it was knockout format, not many players could get more than one opportunity prove themselves. “During our days, we used to play on the school grounds. But nowadays, because of the accent on construction of buildings, very few schools have big sports grounds. “That is where the academies come in to help in spotting and grooming young talent. It is good that many former cricketers, including Ranji players, are associated with schools and colleges in one way or the other to develop the game. “Previously, international cricket meant players mainly from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Madras and Kolkata. Nowadays, the Indian team has players from many small cities,” he concluded. The cricket academy has been named ‘Chandu Borde Global Cricket Academy’ in honour of Borde, who played 55 tests for the nation.