Mumbai: The National Cricket Club (NCC), Mumbai, has selected 45 promising young cricketers through a three-day talent identification programme, offering them access to professional coaching, playing opportunities and a pathway into the city’s competitive cricket structure.

The selections were announced at a recognition ceremony organised at the club on October 30. Rajdip Gupta, president of National Cricket Club and chairman of the Mumbai T20 League Governing Council, organised the event, which was attended by Ajinkya Naik, president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), as the chief guest. Members of the MCA Apex Council were also present.

The selected group includes 16 batters, 14 bowlers, 12 all-rounders and three specialist wicketkeepers. The initiative was designed to identify players with potential who may not have access to quality training facilities and professional coaching.

Three-day talent hunt held at Cross Maidan

The talent hunt was conducted from October 26 to 28, 2026, at the National Cricket Club premises at Cross Maidan, Marine Lines, Mumbai.

It focused on cricketers aged between 16 and 23 years. The programme aimed to widen access to structured training and identify young players who could benefit from professional guidance and opportunities to compete at higher levels.

The selection process was led by Kiran Desai, popularly known as Coach KD. Desai is a Level 4 and ICC Level 3 coach who has served as head coach of North Mumbai Panthers in the T20 Mumbai tournament.

He was supported by a selection panel comprising Rahul Pandey, secretary of National Cricket Club; Ravindra Solanki, bowling coach; Jitendra Kanojiya, club manager; and advisory committee members Promod Yadav and Sanjay Nikam.

The involvement of experienced coaches and club officials was intended to assess the players and identify those who could benefit from a structured development programme.

Selected players to receive free year-long coaching

The 45 selected cricketers were presented with playing kits during the recognition ceremony. They will also receive free cricket coaching for one year at National Cricket Club under the guidance of experienced coaches.

The programme is designed to provide more than recognition following the selection process. It aims to give the players continued access to training and opportunities to develop their skills.

The selected players will receive:

  • Playing kits to support their cricketing activities.
  • Free year-long coaching at National Cricket Club.
  • Opportunities to represent NCC and various MCA-affiliated clubs.
  • A pathway towards participation in Mumbai’s competitive cricket leagues.
  • Guidance and exposure to help them progress in the sport.

Opportunities to represent the club and MCA-affiliated teams could provide valuable match experience for players seeking to establish themselves in Mumbai’s cricket structure.

Regular coaching over a year is also expected to help them work on technical skills, fitness, consistency and match awareness.

Rajdip Gupta highlights opportunities for young players

Speaking about the initiative, Rajdip Gupta said Mumbai had a long tradition of producing talented cricketers and that the talent hunt was aimed at identifying players capable of progressing in the city’s competitive cricket environment.

He congratulated the selected players on their achievement and described the selection as the beginning of a new chapter in their cricketing journeys.

Gupta expressed confidence that the guidance and support provided by NCC would help the players develop their abilities and prepare for bigger challenges in the future.

The initiative reflects the club’s stated intention to identify talent beyond established pathways and provide promising cricketers with access to facilities and professional support.

SanRaj Group supports grassroots cricket development

The talent hunt was supported by SanRaj Group, a diversified business group with interests across multiple sectors.

Through its association with National Cricket Club, the group aims to contribute to cricket development by widening access to quality resources, facilities and professional guidance.

Grassroots initiatives of this kind can provide opportunities to players who may have the ability to progress but face limitations in accessing regular coaching and competitive platforms.

For young cricketers, structured support can be important in developing their game and gaining exposure to club-level competition. However, progression to higher levels will depend on their continued performance, development and opportunities in the competitive system.

A pathway into Mumbai’s competitive cricket structure

Mumbai has a long association with Indian cricket and a strong network of clubs, academies and local competitions. Cross Maidan and other traditional cricket grounds have played an important role in the city’s cricketing culture.

The NCC talent hunt seeks to add a structured selection and development opportunity to this wider ecosystem. By combining a formal scouting exercise with a year of coaching and opportunities to represent affiliated clubs, the initiative aims to support players beyond the initial selection stage.

The 45 selected cricketers now have an opportunity to train under experienced coaches and work towards competing in Mumbai’s club and league cricket.

The programme does not guarantee selection for state or national teams, but it provides a development platform through which players can seek to improve their skills and gain competitive experience.

With the recognition ceremony completed, the focus will now shift to the players’ training and progress during the coming year. For the selected youngsters, the opportunity marks an important step in their efforts to pursue cricket at a more competitive level.