From Fast Bowler to Mentor: The Inspiring Journey of Sachin Kanojia

Sachin Kanojia, a cricket coach and former athlete, shares his incredible journey from a budding cricketer in Bhopal to a dedicated mentor shaping the next generation of players. Born into a family where discipline and wellness were ingrained in everyday life—his father a PWD engineer and his mother a physiotherapist—Sachin’s early love for sports saw him excel in both athletics and cricket.

The Rise of a Cricketer

Sachin’s cricket journey began at age 8, playing with senior students in his neighborhood. His talent was quickly recognized, and he soon found himself competing in top-level tournaments such as the Vijay Merchant Trophy, Maharashtra U19 SGFI, and the MPCA U14 One Day Tournament. He also proved his athleticism in state-level 100m, 200m, and 400m dashes, qualifying for nationals.

Under the guidance of Umesh Yadav Sir and Pritam Gandhe Sir, Sachin was selected for the Vidarbha Cricket Association’s Vijay Merchant Trophy team. Specializing in fast bowling, batting, and fitness, he became a residential player but, unfortunately, internal politics prevented him from making the playing XI. Despite his potential, this setback pushed him to step away from competitive cricket after U19.

Turning to Coaching

Sachin turned his focus to coaching, utilizing his 12 years of professional experience to nurture aspiring cricketers. His approach to coaching is rooted in discipline, personal connection, and a strong belief in allowing players to find their natural strengths. Sachin’s coaching philosophy prioritizes mental and physical well-being, encouraging goal-setting and the importance of positivity, fitness, and nutrition.

Coaching Philosophy

• Discipline & Role Model: Sachin believes that a coach must exemplify discipline both on and off the field.

• Development of Individual Athletes: He lets players explore every aspect of the game before guiding them to specialize.

• Don’t Over-Coach: Sachin avoids unnecessary adjustments if a player is naturally excelling.

• Mental & Physical Well-being: His emphasis on fitness includes proper nutrition and hydration, aiming for overall strength.

• Modern Cricket Techniques: With cricket evolving rapidly, Sachin focuses on refining batting stances and bowling techniques.

Coaching Goal and Professionalism

Sachin’s ultimate goal is to develop players with the resilience and skills needed to represent their state or even their country. Known for his professionalism, Sachin is fully committed to his work while remaining approachable and supportive to his players and colleagues after hours.