Parmar comes out with flying colours

His caller tune says it all. Baar baar haan, bolo yaar haan; Apni jeet ho, unki haar haan from Aamir Khan starrer Lagaan a movie, having cricket as the underlying theme. The song personifies Mukund Parmar, coach of Emerging India, the just-crowned Asian champions.

One of those unfortunate cricketers, who could not play for India despite having potential and technique, Parmar, however, got to rub shoulders with world-class cricketers in the domestic circuit as well as in England. He never allowed it to affect his game though as he took the disappointment in his stride and carried on.

On Sunday, Parmar guided the team to an emphatic victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asian championship. It was his first assignment with any India team and he came out with flying colours.

“It was a wonderful experience. In the final, we faced Pakistan, which like any level match with neighbours, had a full house. It was really a pressure game and the boys responded well.

We have a talented bunch ready for the next level,” gushed Parmar, adding: “I have watched top players and their approach towards every game from close quarters.

Moreover, my NCA stint came in handy.”

Parmar was at the peak of his career when the Team India middle order was held by the Fab Four Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. Like a few other middle-order batsmen of 1990-2005, Parmar’s domestic performance was overlooked, too.

Perhaps the most salient feature of his coaching manual is his ability to stay cool under any circumstances. “He has a good knack of maintaining a pleasant atmosphere in the dressing room.

He gives space to each and every player. At the same time, he allows them to express themselves which reflects in a player’s performance. You need someone like him in the dressing room,” emphasised Parthiv Patel, who has played with Parmar.

The only blot in Singapore was the loss against Afghanistan. But Parmar did not allow it to affect the players’ morale. “He asked us to remain positive and relaxed for the upcoming games. He was just like a friend. His simple style did the trick and we won the remaining matches comprehensively,” said Gujarat pacer Jaspreet Bumrah, a member of the victorious team.

The 44-year-old Parmar, with 83 first-class caps and over 6,500 runs, has been the Gujarat coach for the past two seasons. Married to the game, he has always remained attached to it as selector and referee even after hanging his boots in 2006.

However, coaching young boys and passing the knowledge to younger generations has always been his desire. Parmar is Level-C coach certified by the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. He has also accomplished eight national camps held under the aegis of NCA.

According to Parthiv, Parmar has always put the team first. “He has not allowed players to get affected by any controversy or criticism. Also, he has never thrived for a limelight, which I am sure will not happen in future, too,” he said.