New Delhi, Nov 13 (NationPress) For more than thirty years, Dinesh Lad, who coached former cricket captain Rohit Sharma during his childhood, has dedicated his life to cultivating young talent—not in pursuit of fame or wealth, but driven by a passion for the game. Currently, however, this seasoned coach is facing significant challenges in keeping his cricket academy operational and is seeking financial assistance to realize his vision of developing India's future cricket stars.

“I’ve been providing honorary coaching for the past three decades—I’ve never accepted payment from anyone,” Lad shared with IANS. “Many of my students have represented India, their respective state teams, and Mumbai at various age levels. This has been my sole focus for 30 years.”

Two years ago, Lad established the Dinesh Lad Cricket Foundation, a non-profit organization through which he has adopted 22 children, mostly from rural India. “They are all exceptionally talented kids,” he noted. “Unfortunately, I’m not receiving the necessary financial support. While I was coaching the Mumbai team, I used to redirect my earnings to support them.”

Lad eventually resigned from his role with the Mumbai team to fully commit to the children. “They’ve traveled from distant villages—12 from Maharashtra, one from Delhi, three from Gujarat, and two from Andhra Pradesh,” he explained. “I even oversee their education through the foundation. The cricket coaching is entirely free—I don’t charge for that.”

Despite the financial difficulties, Lad refuses to view coaching as a business. “I don’t claim to create cricketers,” he stated. “They succeed due to their own talent. When people say ‘Lad Sir made us,’ I feel honored—but it is their skills that lead them to success.”

He reminisces about mentoring a young Rohit, who initially played as an off-spinner. “When I observed him bat, I advised him to concentrate more on batting. Even Rohit remarked, ‘Sir, I was a bowler.’ I didn’t transform him into a batsman—I merely recognized his potential.”

Another student who shares a strong bond with Lad is Shardul Thakur, who once lived at the coach’s residence. “Shardul stayed with me, along with another Muslim boy who lived with us for five years,” he mentioned. “What I’m doing is social service—I’m not driven by financial gain. If I wanted, I could easily earn ₹60–70 lakh a month—but I’ve never pursued that path. My passion lies in cricket, not money.”

A Guru’s Legacy

Lad’s greatest inspiration stems from his mentor, the legendary Ramakant Achrekar, who also coached the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. “I play and teach cricket because of my guru,” Lad expressed with pride. “After Achrekar sir received the Dronacharya Award, I became the second person from Maharashtra to earn it—in 32 years. Achieving the Dronacharya award like my guru is the pinnacle of my accomplishments.”

A Grounded Struggle

Even with national acknowledgment, Lad encounters practical hurdles. The state government granted him a cricket ground, but it comes with substantial costs. “It’s on rent, and I handle all expenses—water, maintenance, everything,” he explained. “To cover costs, I rent it out for private matches, which some misinterpret as me trying to profit. I have a CSR certificate, and while many promise assistance, I’m not one to constantly follow up.”

A Partner in Every Sense

Supporting Lad’s unwavering journey is his wife, whose silent strength has kept the family stable. “I dedicated 30 years to cricket, but I didn’t have sufficient funds when I began,” he admitted. “I worked with the railways—that was it. My wife supported me through thick and thin. When I welcomed Shardul into our home, she never objected. She said, ‘It’s your house—why would I mind?’ She cared for him as if he were our own child. I’m not sure how she managed everything, but I owe my success to her.”

Beyond Borders

Lad’s reputation as a coach extends beyond India. He has trained international players, including the son of former South African fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, who stayed with him for a month, and another young South African cricketer who trained for 25 days. “His cricket improved, his technique enhanced, and he was named Best Junior Cricketer of South Africa,” Lad proudly shared. “He’s even a strong contender for the U-19 World Cup captaincy.”

Keeping the Dream Alive

Through all of his challenges, Dinesh Lad remains dedicated to his mission—providing young, gifted cricketers with the opportunities he once yearned for. “If I receive financial backing,” he stated, “I could accomplish even more for these kids. Who knows—the next Rohit Sharma or Shardul Thakur might be among them.