India boasts a wealth of cricketing talent. While having talent doesn’t automatically lead to success, it certainly makes it attainable. Numerous cricket academies across the country are dedicated to nurturing young players who aspire to excel in the sport.
Mumbai, often celebrated as the cradle of cricket in India, has produced a plethora of world-class cricketers. Icons like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, along with emerging stars such as Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw, honed their skills in the iconic ‘maidans’ of the city.
If you’re looking for the best training for your child, here are the top 5 cricket academies in Mumbai:
1. Vengsarkar Cricket Academy
KIOC, led by head coach Irfan Sait, is a premier cricket academy in Bangalore with international coaching credentials from India, England, and Australia. Annual overseas tours to countries like Sri Lanka, England, and Australia enhance training. Established by former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar, the Vengsarkar Cricket Academy is one of India’s oldest and most reputed. Renowned cricketers like Yuvraj Singh and Ajit Agarkar trained here. The academy has its ground, offering facilities such as restrooms, changing rooms, and turf wickets. They also organize domestic tournaments to showcase students’ talents.
Centre: Vengsarkar Cricket Academy, Kalachauki, Wadala, Mumbai.
2. Payyade Sports Club
Payyade Cricket Academy (PCA) provides players with ample opportunities to train and enhance their skills. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, PCA is registered with the MCA and led by BCCI-certified coach Mr. Raghuvir Singh Jhala and former Mumbai Ranji player Mr. Suresh Shetty.
Located in Kandivali West, Mumbai.
3. MIG Cricket Club
MIG Cricket Club stands as one of the oldest cricket clubs in Mumbai, having been founded in 1968. It has been associated with the MCA since 1974 and boasts a strong cricket team that competes in major tournaments. The club offers cricket coaching throughout the year, with sessions running from October to March and a special summer camp from April to May. Notably, Arjun Tendulkar, the son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has also played for MIG Cricket Club.
The club is located in MIG Colony, Bandra East, near Kala Nagar, Mumbai – 400051.
4. Shivaji Park Gymkhana
Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar started their cricketing journeys from the ‘Nursery of Cricket’ i.e. Shivaji Park Gymkhana. The academy has produced 21 international players like Pravin Amre, Sandeep Patil, Vinod Kambli and many more.
Also known as the ‘Meccah of Mumbai’, the SPG is one of the oldest and most reputed sports clubs in India. It was established in 1909 as the ‘New Maharashtra Cricket Club’ by Shri. P.G. Marathe. SPG has well-maintained ground and top-notch cricketing equipment.
They also have a cricket coaching camp every summer for 10, 15, and 18 years.
Centre: Shivaji Park Gymkhana, Shivaji Park, Keluskar Road, Dadar, Mumbai- 400028
5. Chandrakant Pandit Cricket Clinic
CPCC was established on October 17, 1999, by Shri Chandrakanth Pandit, a student of the late Shri Ramakant Achrekar, who famously coached Sachin Tendulkar during his early years. Between 1986 and 1992, Chandrakanth Pandit played for India in 5 Test matches and 36 One Day Internationals.
He is particularly recognized for his role as the head coach of Mumbai, the most successful team in the Ranji Trophy, for many years. One of the prominent players who emerged from CPCC is Shivam Dube, an all-rounder for the Rajasthan Royals.
The CPCC boasts a stunning campus featuring a well-maintained pitch and top-notch facilities. Additionally, they host a two-month summer cricket camp.
Centre: Hansraj Moraji Public School Ground, Munshi Nagar, Near Bhavans College, Andheri West, Mumbai- 400058.
Also Read: What is the full form of RCB in cricket?