Virat Kohli's Childhood Coach Rajkumar Sharma Appointed DDCA State Mentor
DDCA appoints Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma as State Mentor to strengthen Delhi's cricket ecosystem and grassroots development.
In a significant move to bolster the cricketing infrastructure in the capital, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has officially appointed renowned coach Rajkumar Sharma as the State Mentor for Delhi cricket. Sharma, famously known for nurturing Indian superstar Virat Kohli during his formative years, will bring his vast experience to the forefront of the Delhi cricket ecosystem.
Strengthening the Pathway for Young Talent
The appointment aims to bridge the gap between grassroots cricket and senior-level competition. As State Mentor, Sharma is tasked with providing technical guidance, strategic insights, and mentorship to young cricketers navigating the Delhi system. His role is pivotal in ensuring that the next generation of talent has a clear and robust pathway to reach the highest levels of the game.
Sharma’s credentials are immense. A former Delhi Ranji Trophy Head Coach and a recipient of the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2016, his influence extends far beyond a single player. He has been a cornerstone of Delhi’s cricketing development for decades, most recently serving as the coach of the New Delhi Tigers in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) Season 3.
A Vision for Transparency and Grassroots Growth
Speaking on his new role, Rajkumar Sharma expressed his gratitude to DDCA President Rohan Jaitley. He emphasized his commitment to making himself accessible to every aspiring cricketer, regardless of gender, from the club level to the state level.
"Our focus must be on identifying and nurturing this talent from the grassroots, with the right guidance, technology and facilities," Sharma stated. He highlighted the need for a transparent selection process and an ecosystem that supports players' genuine needs, including financial assistance, to ensure they can develop fully.
Sharma noted that Delhi has historically produced legends such as:
- Virat Kohli
- Gautam Gambhir
- Virender Sehwag
- Shikhar Dhawan
- Ishant Sharma
- Rishabh Pant
Leadership Backs the Appointment
The DDCA leadership has expressed immense confidence in Sharma's ability to transform the local cricket scene. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley praised Sharma's deep understanding of the game, stating that his experience makes him a "valuable addition" to the organizational setup.
DDCA Vice President Shikha Kumar echoed these sentiments, noting that the appointment will strengthen efforts to provide opportunities and guidance to both boys and girls in the state. Secretary Ashok Sharma also underscored the value of Sharma's years of coaching experience in this new administrative and mentorship capacity.
With this strategic appointment, the DDCA looks to create a sustainable and transparent pipeline that prepares deserving cricketers to represent Delhi and, eventually, the Indian national team at the highest level.