09 March,2021 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
Coach Vidyadhar Paradkar conducts concentration drills at Cross Maidan recently. Pics/Subodh Mayure
Renowned cricket coach Vidyadhar Paradkar, 74, insists on grit and fighting spirit on the field from his wards. But for the last six months, he himself has been exhibiting these qualities by training young cricketers at Cross Maidan despite suffering from a kidney failure.
Paradkar undergoes dialysis thrice a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), but has not missed a single day of coaching at the Karnatak Sporting Association. "To be at the ground with youngsters is my routine for the last 30 years. My health problems won't affect my schedule. In fact, sharing my knowledge with these cricketers is my tonic," Paradkar told mid-day on Friday morning moments before heading to Bombay Hospital for a dialysis session.
Paradkar's dialysis sessions are of five-hour duration, following which he watches and creates cricket clips in the evenings and sends them to his wards through his YouTube channel that is subscribed to by 1.20 lakh viewers.
"I'm able to continue my coaching only because of the strong support of my wife [Pramila, 64]. She constantly takes care of me, be it at home or in hospital. I must also thank Dr Shrirang Bichu, his team and technician Madhav Rao for treating me," said Paradkar.
His monthly medical expenses work out to Rs 50,000, which is a huge amount but insists he is able to manage the expenditure through coaching fees and his mediclaim policy.
Recently, when Mumbai Cricket Association's former secretary Dr PV Shetty met Paradkar at the Police Gymkhana during the Police Shield prize distribution function, he handed over the R1 lakh prize money cheque that his team, Payyade Sports Club received, to Paradkar.
The Grant Road resident could be talking to someone a distance away from the nets, but that doesn't mean he is not watching. In between our conversation with him, he yelled out to one batsman, "use the top hand onlyâ¦bat niche zameen tak jaane do, tohi apka body aur shot control hoga [take your bat to the ground, only then will you be able to control your body and the shot]."
Vidyadhar Paradkar, who has guided former India pacer Zaheer Khan and current Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane among other top city cricketers, is concerned about the change in coaching styles due to the T20 format. "Everyone wants to play T20 cricket and while trying to hit, most batsmen use their bottom hand, which is incorrect. Paid personal coaching is another aspect that is hurting budding youngsters, who cannot afford to pay high fees and are missing out," he said.
