Bold Diaries: What's RCB's mentorship programme

Royal Challengers Bangalore have never lagged behind in trying out new things on and off the field. With a fresh set of support staff this season, the team has introduced a mentorship programme that aims to nurture the young members of the team and help them learn from their teammates. The programme has its roots in team bonding philosophies. 

Elaborating more on it, Director of Cricket Operations at RCB, Mike Hesson said, "The mentorship programme is something Simon Katich (head coach) was very keen to introduce, it's something that happens in many sports, and it’s something that can take place when players are keen to share their experiences. The players can exchange ideas with each other, we spent a lot of time to pick who will spend with whom, generally we have done it around the skill group. Players will be able to spend time with each other and be away from the practice. They can talk about the game, for example, Navdeep Saini is paired with Dale Steyn.”

"Steyn has done the job all around the world, he knows the game inside out, Saini is hugely talented, he wants to bowl fast and there was none better than Steyn to pair him with. Devdutt Padikkal is paired with Virat Kohli, there is none better mentor for a young developing player, they both have a real passion to succeed,” he added.

The programme also has a feature where the senior members introduce their buddies to the rest of the group and share interesting facts and backgrounds about the young cricketer. It’s been an amazing experience for the whole squad and has also given more scope to gel well as a team.

RCB have registered two wins out of the three games and will meet Rajasthan Royals in their next game at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 3.