As the sun sets on a thrilling summer, the Texas Cricket Academy’s (TCA) cricket camp wraps up, leaving young cricketers with great experience and newly acquired skills. This year’s camp was an absolute success, providing participants with intensive training sessions and invaluable lessons from expert coaches. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by these athletes have truly made this summer one to remember.

TCA headlines its summer camp with expertise coaching from former India International Cricketer and head coach Thiru Kumuran, former Ranji Trophy Captain and batting/wicket-keeping coach Halhadar Das, and former Veteran and marathon champion, fitness coach Andrew Parry. 

The Camp is 3 days a week, Including days Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each day starts off with a one-hour fitness session with Coach Andrew. This fitness session involves intense exercises with cricket based development. All the exercises are completed with an aim to get better at the sport. After the fitness portion of the day, kids get some rest time leading up to individual skill practices. Groups are made with each going to respective batting/bowling practices. These practices last between 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 min on each day. 

.The bowling skill practices include international level preparation led by head coach Thiru Kumuran. Coach ensures that all bowlers are doing it correct with comprehensive feedback and input for each kid. It starts off with some warmups and then progresses into a full scale energetic bowling practice. This practice focuses on spot bowling which directly translates to high-level performance in matches. Bowling sessions end with various types of variations such as yorkers, slower balls, and bouncers. Every bowling session is consistent in its measure. This recaps the bowling session.

Now for the batting session, there are 5-6 lanes dedicated to improving young cricketers’ skills. Four lanes are equipped with automatic bowling machines, having consistent and varied deliveries. Additionally, two lanes are set aside for specific shot training. Under the watchful eyes of Coach Halhadar Das and Coach Thiru Kumuran, each player gets to bat through three rounds of machine bowling. This structured practice allows for personalized feedback and helps these kids improve their techniques, helping their confidence and success at the crease.

After the two skill sessions, the kids regroup for another break. These breaks are essential as they give the kids time to regroup and recover.

Following these breaks is either a fielding session(depending on time) or a whole group net practice. The fielding sessions focus on the movements and assignbments needed to translate success in a real match. It starts off with the basics of a good, strong, and accurate throw. Short throws and long throws each. After that there is some ground fielding which requires you to pickup the ball cleanly and accurately throw. 

The group net session is when everyone in their respective age groups come together for practice with each other. This usually lasts for around 1 hr to 1 hr and 15 mins. 2 batsman play at a time, one being in the spinners net and one in the pacers. Coach Thiru Kumuran oversees these practices and gives important feedback to batsman and bowlers with the aim of improving their game. 

This year, the kids at TCA summer camp got to experience a once in a lifetime moment! The kids got to meet with former india international cricketer and coach Robin Singh.

TCA coaches with Robin Singh

Something special about TCA’s summer camp is that it not only prepares a cricketer physically, but it teaches them about the mental aspect of the sport, preparing their minds to be mentally strong. 

With expert coaching, these kids have grown both in their cricket abilities and mental toughness. Meeting Robin Singh was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will inspire them for years to come. This summer has been all about hard work, fun, and learning, and the campers are now ready to take their game to the next level. Here’s to a fantastic summer and an even brighter future in cricket!