Abhay Sharma Prioritises On ‘Fitness And Fielding’ As Uganda Embark On Maiden T20 World Cup Journey
Uganda Cricket Association appointed former Delhi cricketer Abhay Sharma as the head coach of the men’s side in April, just two months before the T20 World Cup 2024.
Uganda Cricket is on a rise. Since getting the full member status from the International Cricket Council back in 2019, the Cricket Cranes have won the most number of matches among the 20 African nations, clearly making their presence felt in the world of cricket. In the last five years, Uganda played 91 T20Is, winning 69 and lost just 19 games, with a victory percentage of 78.40. Uganda created history last November when they defeated regional powerhouse Zimbabwe en route to their second-place finish in the African Qualifiers to secure their maiden entry in the T20 World Cup. Certainly, it was a landmark moment in the history of Ugandan cricket. To carry forward the growth of cricket in country, Uganda Cricket Association named Indian Abhay Sharma as the head coach ahead of the mega extravaganza that starts in USA and West Indies from June 1. India.com caught up with former Delhi cricketer and spoke at length about his dreams with Uganda and many other aspects. Excerpts…
How are the preparations going for Uganda before T20 World Cup 2024 and what has been the response?
The preparations are going really well. Everyone is very confident. We are trying to work on the areas to improve, we are discussing everything and things are looking nice here. On the other side, we have to be realistic as I always say. We have also had discussions on other aspects in the World Cup that we will be facing.
How did you land at Uganda cricket and what made you accept the role? What are your visions with them?
Someone approached me for this Uganda job and then I applied for it. I came through the process and was told that close to 50 guys had applied for this particular role. It’s a challenging job I would say and my mentality is that I always accept the challenges. Working with an associate side is entirely a different experience and personally I, myself is ready for the challenge.
Abhay Sharma (c) interacts with one of the players during Uganda’s training session. (Image: UCA)
Uganda cricket had already scripted history by qualifying for the T20 World Cup. What areas do you need to fine-tune before you fly to the USA?
It’s a proud moment for the entire nation and I am also very happy because I am a part of this nation now. Looking forward, we have identified the areas to improve and trying to work on those. There are some skill-wise work is required, fitness is required. I know in a very short time, we can’t reach the peak on certain players but certain players look good athletes and they are really fit. Need to work on certain players which we have already identified along with other support staff. So we are trying to help them out also.
What are the learnings from your previous assignments, you want to impart to Uganda cricket?
I have been into coaching for the last 15 years and worked with the Indian men’s, women’s, India A and India U-19 teams. Through my experience, I have learnt one thing that skill is very important. On the other side, fitness and fielding are my main priorities because when you go on to make an impact in the tournament, that is one area where you can really penetrate by applying through skill work and in pressure situation you should know how to handle it. Once the fielding unit develops into a good side, at the same time it impacts the batting and bowling also. Although we haven’t got much time, we are definitely working on it. We should not sit on our past laurels because now the challenge is different
With due respect to the Sri Lankan tour, don’t you think a bilateral series with any of the teams participating in the T20 World Cup would have been ideal for preparation?
The Sri Lankan tour was planned earlier. As far as the bilateral series are concerned, this is entirely the board’s decision. Since I joined little later, I wouldn’t comment on that. Whatever preparation period, whatever facilities we are getting, we are trying to do our best. Be rest assured, we will keep trying our best to build a good developmental squad also.
Uganda head coach Abhay Sharma (R) discusses a point with one of his players in training. (Image: UCA)
Uganda have been placed alongside Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, West Indies and New Zealand. How tough is the group and what are your initial targets?
We are in a good group, I mean a tough group definitely as three ICC full members are there. But we are not bothered about the opponent. We will try to do our best. What we know, we will try and implement those things under pressure, stick to our positive mindset and trust our boys.
How big opportunity is this opportunity for you as far as your coaching career is concerned?
As far as my assignment is concerned, I am honoured to be a part of the Uganda Cricket. It feels really happy to be among a different part of the world. Definitely, now it doesn’t sound be a different county because I am feeling as if it’s my second home. Boys are really gelling well and the officials are very helpful. It’s a great opportunity to contribute towards Ugandan cricket. At the moment my full concentration is to help the Ugandan cricket into a better unit and develop certain bench strength also.