NCA to invite Jonty, Sandy

National Cricket Academy director and Karnataka State Cricket Association chairman Brijesh Patel is trying to invite South African Jonty Rhodes to help the boys at the NCA get some hands-on training from one of the greatest fielders of all time.

The academy's new batch began training on May 1. It was inaugurated by Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar.

"We are focusing more on the under 15 and under 17, where we have 40 boys in both groups, to give them more opportunities," Patel said. "Because at that age you can get a boy who can really develop into an international cricketer.

"The training will essentially remain the same. We have done it for the last three years and it has given us results. We are committed to maintaining the same schedule."

Among the guests who will be invited to the academy is sports psychologist Sandy Gordon, who worked with the Indian team during the 2003 World Cup and the tour of Australia, and is expected to focus on mental toughness.

"Also, we are trying to get South African fielding legend Jonty Rhodes to come in for a short stint," Patel said. "The main thing is that the boys will get exposure and, secondly, the coaches too will learn a number of drills."

Rhodes is tentatively expected in the second week of June.