New Delhi, 03 October (H.S.): The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has appointed renowned cricket coach Rajkumar Sharma as the State Mentor for Delhi cricket. In this role, he will draw on his extensive coaching experience and deep understanding of Delhi’s cricketing ecosystem to provide guidance, technical advice and strategic support to young cricketers. His objective is to further strengthen the player-development pathway in Delhi cricket, from the grassroots level to the senior ranks.

A former head coach of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy team and a recipient of the Dronacharya Award in 2016, Rajkumar Sharma is widely known for nurturing Indian cricket star Virat Kohli during his formative years. However, his contribution to Delhi cricket has extended well beyond a single player. He has worked with several generations of young cricketers and has played an important role in developing talent in the national capital.

Rajkumar Sharma also served as the coach of New Delhi Tigers during the third season of the Delhi Premier League. During that stint, he worked on mentoring emerging players, identifying talent and strengthening the process of developing cricketers from grassroots cricket to the competitive level.

His contribution to cricket administration and player-related initiatives was also evident in 2022, when he was nominated by the Delhi and District Cricket Association as its male representative to the apex body of the Indian Cricketers’ Association.

Rajkumar Sharma’s appointment comes at a time when the DDCA is focusing on strengthening its broader cricketing ecosystem. The association is placing emphasis on player development, youth cricket, coaching infrastructure and creating a clearer and more effective pathway for players from grassroots and age-group cricket to senior-level competitions.

On being appointed State Mentor, Rajkumar Sharma said, “It is an honour to take up this responsibility with the DDCA, and I am grateful to President Rohan Jaitley for his confidence in me. I have been closely associated with Delhi cricket for many years and am now excited to contribute to its next phase. Delhi has immense talent and has produced outstanding players for the country over the years, including Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir, Ishant Sharma, Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant. There are several talented players in the new generation as well.”

He said, “Our focus should be on identifying these talents right from the grassroots level and providing them with the right guidance, technical support and facilities. I want to reach out to every player, whether a boy or a girl, who is playing at the club or state level and dreams of representing India. I want to provide them with the right advice and guidance.”

DDCA President Rohan Jaitley praised Rajkumar Sharma’s role, saying, “He has been associated with Delhi cricket for a long time and has played an important role in nurturing young talent. His experience and understanding of the game make him a valuable member of our system. We hope his guidance will help our young cricketers progress and take the next step in their careers.”

DDCA Vice-President Shikha Kumar said, “Rajkumar Sharma brings with him immense experience and a deep understanding of Delhi cricket. His appointment will further strengthen our efforts to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level. Our endeavour is to ensure that young boys and girls receive the right opportunities, guidance and support to progress. We want every aspiring cricketer to have a clear pathway to develop their talent and fulfil their potential.”

DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma said, “He has years of experience as a coach and mentor and understands Delhi’s cricketing talent and their development pathways very well. His advice will help aspiring cricketers develop the right skills, discipline and approach to progress at every level. We are confident that his experience and perspective will complement the DDCA’s efforts to build a strong and structured cricketing ecosystem and help create better pathways for Delhi’s cricketers.”

As State Mentor, Rajkumar Sharma will bring to the DDCA his experience as a former Delhi cricketer, an award-winning coach and a mentor who has worked extensively with young talent. With his guidance, the DDCA aims to establish a strong and sustainable development system for the next generation of Delhi cricketers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar