BENGALURU: A conversation with Jammu and Kashmir head coach Ajay Sharma feels like listening to a gripping movie script – full of thrilling storylines, powerful performances and punchlines. and redemption.
The 61-year-old former India batsman, who takes over the reins ahead of the 2022-23 season, described his journey in J&K as a rebirth. It is an emotion rooted in experience. His career was derailed by match-fixing accusations, but the Justice Department dropped the charges, forcing him to rebuild his life and reputation from scratch. Now, as a coach, Sharma has staged a remarkable renaissance. He instilled culture, belief and a winning mentality into a team that exceeded expectations.
Jammu and Kashmir will take on eight-time champions Karnataka in their maiden Ranji Trophy final in Hubballi on Tuesday and Sharma spoke to TOI about the team’s rise, difficulties and the desire to drive their campaign. extract
How challenging was the position when you took it on?
The first year was tough. At that time, their mentality was different. They only want to play IPL and have not developed the temperament for red-ball cricket. Regardless of the format of the game, batsmen bat from the first ball. I was angry and it took me some time to understand them. I came to believe that if these players were developed mentally, their mentality would change and that’s what happened. But it won’t be easy. The first year, they were not enthusiastic about me. They were like: “Boriya bistar bandh ke niklo.” In fact, I asked them to write a review at the end of my first season and 13 players wrote that they didn’t like being coached by me. I changed myself from being a strict coach to getting down to their level, communicating and understanding them. The team has stuck together ever since.
Does red-ball cricket also give you a second chance?
Absolutely. This was my second birth after going through many difficulties in life. Four years ago, when Mithun Manhas called me and asked me to take over, I was not sure because no one had really considered the J&K team. Many friends from around the world who I have lost touch with over the years have been calling me to tell me how proud they are of my work and supporting the team in winning the championship. Life has changed.
Going into the final, what did you talk to the players about?
My message to them was clear. We are rivals in the competition, not rivals. We’re going there to win. Just focus on the process and the results will fall into place. A championship victory can change their destiny. I told them it could open doors – India call-ups, India A opportunities, even IPL contracts. I tell them to remember that a championship team can beat a championship team. Whether you are a batsman or a bowler, red ball cricket always gives you a second chance. This was a lesson we learned in the semi-final against Bangladesh – even after losing the lead in the first innings, we found a way to fight back.
Can you take us back to Nabi’s rise?
I have never seen a bowler like him in my life. He is like a horse. He was so focused and diligent that he barely considered the options. So now he is reaping the rewards of his performance domestically through an IPL contract. It’s not easy for him to play ball. Auqib Nabi is a lot like Mohd Shami; what he lacks in speed he makes up for with skill. Also, speed isn’t the only weapon you need. Whether we were playing on the Patta wicket, the green top or the Turner ball, his mentality was the same. He focuses on bowling in the right areas and taking wickets. This makes him one of the most feared bowlers in the domestic circuit.
What makes this team tick?
The journey and struggles of these boys are extraordinary. Given the conditions in the area, they faced challenges from an early age. Most of our players come from areas where there were hardly any facilities, but things have changed for the better now. One example is pacer Sunil Kumar, who has been outstanding this season. He came here through a talent search program. This is a boy who once struggled to get two meals a day, and now, after Nabi, he is the backbone of our team. Hunger drives them. For us, only performance matters, not reputation or name. That’s why you don’t see Umran Malik in the team.