(Cricket News) In a bid to identify young, versatile players capable of smoothly transitioning to the elite level, the BCCI has called upon 20 promising all-rounders for an intensive camp lasting nearly three weeks at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Among those summoned for the camp, which is set to commence in August, is Arjun , son of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Arjun, who currently plays first-class cricket for Goa and made his IPL debut for the Mumbai Indians in the previous edition, has been given the opportunity to showcase his skills at the camp.

The decision to hold an all-rounders camp is an initiative spearheaded by VVS Laxman, the head of cricket at NCA, with the aim of developing a pool of talented players who possess a wide range of skills applicable across different formats of the game. This move aligns with the BCCI’s preparation for the upcoming Emerging Asia Cup (U-23) and its intention to identify potential youngsters who can contribute to the future of Indian cricket.

The selection of players for the camp has been carried out by the senior national selection committee, led by interim chief Shiv Sunder Das. The committee has taken into consideration both performance and potential when making their choices.

According to a source, not all the players summoned for the camp are pure all-rounders, as some specialize in batting while others excel in bowling. The objective is to identify potential talents and assist them in enhancing their skills to make a successful transition to the next level.

Among the notable names invited to the camp is Chetan Sakariya, a left-arm seamer and powerful lower-order batsman from Saurashtra, who has represented India in 2021 and plays for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

Abhishek Sharma, a left-handed batsman from Punjab who also bowls accurate left-arm spin, is another prominent participant. He has delivered impressive performances with the bat for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Arjun Tendulkar, an off-spinner all-rounder from Goa, and Manav Suthar from Rajasthan have also been summoned.

Delhi will be represented in the camp by fast bowler Harshit Rana and medium pacer Divij Mehra, both of whom are equipped with useful batting skills.

Harshit Rana was initially called up as a net bowler with the senior Indian team for the WTC finals but couldn’t travel due to Yarra Prithviraj’s selection. However, his potential has been acknowledged by the national selectors. Divij, on the other hand, caught attention with his five-wicket haul against Mumbai and has also scored centuries at the age-group level.

Regarding Arjun’s selection, the BCCI source explained that apart from his Ranji Trophy century, his left-arm pace bowling, which ranges between early to mid-130 kmph, and his left-handed batting style provide variety to the team.

Despite Arjun’s modest performances in domestic cricket, the source emphasized that his selection is based on his potential rather than just numbers. At 23 years old, he still has time to develop, as perceived by the selection committee.

The Goa Cricket Association has also confirmed Arjun being in the NCA camp.

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