With or without the stars, it’s business as usual at the MRF Pace Foundation. There is certainly a feeling of hurt about the BCCI snub, but S Senthilnathan, who took over from Sekar, puts fears about the institution losing its relevance to rest. “This institution came into existence 20 years back with the intention of producing fast bowlers. And it will continue to do so. If we can train players who will make it to the Indian team, that’s all we want. That’s our only aim,” he says. It’s quite clear that his posture isn’t aggressive as he repeatedly refers to the BCCI as the parent body. “In case they want us to help them in the future, we will welcome the move with open arms,” says Senthil, with a grin this time.

Opinion divided
The NCA’s proactive role in the development of senior cricket comes after two high-profile appointments: Dav Whatmore as the director of operations and Ravi Shastri as the chairman. It isn’t a finishing school for junior cricketers anymore, but the happening hub for the national team. But Dev does say that the committee had been divided when it came to the decision on MRF. “Ravi and Whatmore were of the opinion that MRF Pace Foundation should be in the loop, but the others in the committee shot down the suggestion,” he says.
Explaining the reason for the decision, Dev says that the BCCI now wants a central coaching system where the players get uniform advice. “Earlier, there have been cases when a bowler got confused by too many suggestions. Now, since we have the resources, we can avoid such a situation,” he says.
Interestingly, that was one problems that MRF faced in the past. Ask Lillee if he had seen his wards returning to MRF with flaws in their techniques once they spent time with the state or national coaches and it brings a smile to his face. “Yes it happens, but not all the time. These guys are smart. They know what is best for them, they know the difference between good and bad advice,” he says.
Apparently, Irfan Pathan didn’t use the filter and that meant a career-threatening slump. He returned to MRF and sorted out his problems and that, according to Sekar, was one of the high points of his coaching career. “Over the years, trust develops between coaches and wards. Whatever you say, the player will return to the place where he knows things will be sorted out for him. Even before leaving for Pakistan, Irfan was here. But since I wasn’t connected to MRF, I took him to a different net to practice,” he says.

... contd.