IDBI Federal Life Insurance announces tie-up with KSCA for a bowling foundation

IDBI Federal Life Insurance, a private life insurer, today announced in Bengaluru its affiliation with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for the launch of a bowling foundation. The entity will be called KSCA - IDBI FederalLife Insurance Bowling Foundation.

The company also has a similar tie-up with Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for MCA -IDBI Federal Life Insurance Bowling Foundation. The Foundations will help the respective cricket associations to nurture the bowling talent under the guidance of top coaches and cricket experts.

During the press meet, it was also announced that former India players, Roger Binny and Raghuram Bhatt will be part of the Bowling Foundation.

Young cricketers felicitated

At the launch announcement, 2 talented Karnataka pacers, Ruchir Joshi and Shashank K. were felicitated with the ‘IDBI FederalLife Insurance Frank Tyson Scholarship’ instituted by the company. Both the bowlers have successfully represented Karnataka in the Cooch Behar U-19 State tournament this year. The promising pace bowlers who were selected by KSCA for the scholarship were presented with a cheque of Rs. 2 lakhs each, at the event.

Former Mumbai pacer and CEO, IDBI Federal Life Insurance, VighneshShahane, said, “Having been a bowler myself, I fully understand that quality coaching is paramount to the development of any bowler. Binny and Thommo make for an enviable coaching combination at the Foundations for the pacers. Spinners too need proper guidance. I am confident that this development will prove to be a springboard for the future success of these talented bowlers. As they gain from this foundation, they will also have a positive impact on the Indian cricketing landscape.”

Jeff Thomson to be a coach at the Foundation

Arguably that fastest bowler in world cricket, Jeff Thomson, said, “The Bowling Foundation in Mumbai has given me enough learning opportunity about the Indian conditions and what I stress on the bowlers to work upon. It has been an exciting experience with Mumbai and when I was offered the responsibility to groom Karnataka talent, I couldn’t but accept the offer. My focus will be on their technique but, more importantly, on their mental strength.”

Thomson who was recently inducted to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, will also select 2 pacers to travel with him to Brisbane for a 3 weeks training in June – July this year for advance coaching.

“It is a wonderful moment for us at KSCA to be inking this deal with IDBI Federal Life Insurance for the launch of this Bowling Foundation with Jeff Thomson. With our constant endeavour to provide better training, we have many youngsters in various age groups who are being nurtured. To be groomed by some of the famed bowlers from yesteryears will be a dream come true for many youngsters”, said Brijesh Patel, Hon Secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).