The P.J. Hindu Gymkhana at Marine Drive, Mumbai, witnessed a unique event on Saturday, 5th February 2005.

'Cricket clinics' have been held before in different parts of the country, but this was surely the first time wherein as many as four 'internationals' were part of a cricket clinic conducted by www.cricketforindia.com, (India's first cricket coaching website) for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

23 Mumbai-based employees of TCS were introduced to the basics and guided through the finer points of cricket by a panel of experts that comprised former Test cricketers Ashok Mankad and Polly Umrigar, former Test umpire Piloo Reporter, Sports Fitness Consultant Dr. Aijaz Ashai and eminent coach S.P. Bhatia. Three participants had brought along their sons. The participants were also lucky to be advised on the basic aspects of fielding by former Test cricketer Yajurvindra Singh, Head - Global Events, TCS.

The clinic commenced at 7:30 am with fitness drills conducted by Dr. Aijaz, who has been affiliated to the Mumbai and Delhi Ranji Trophy teams and has been associated with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Mahesh Bhupathi, Virender Sehwag, etc. The participants were then divided into three groups, two of which practised in the nets under the eagle eye of Mankad, former Mumbai and India coach, the venerable Polly Umrigar, and Bhatia. Mr. Reporter interacted with the third group on the technicalities of umpiring. The groups exchanged places after 45 minutes. Dr. Ashai taught the quick bowlers specialized exercises to enhance their fitness.

It was a comprehensive programme wherein every participant got the opportunity to interact with experts of the game on as well as off the field. The on-field activities were followed by a cricket quiz, with special 'cricketforindia' T-shirts being presented to those who answered the questions correctly. Devendra Prabhudesai, Content Editor, www.cricketforindia.com, conducted the quiz.

The clinic culminated with a prize distribution ceremony and an interactive session with the experts. Master Gandhar Suryavanshi, son of a TCS employee, received the Best Batsman Award, while Amish Bandekar received the Best Bowler Award. Madhab Mohanty received the 'Best Question' Award, an autographed copy of 'An Umpire Remembers', the autobiography of cricketforindia panelist Piloo Reporter. Ms. Ritika Hiranandani, Director, www.cricketforindia.com, stated in her vote of thanks that they hoped to organize many more clinics on similar lines in the future.

The participants, most of whom had reported on time despite residing in the suburbs, made the most of the opportunity to take lessons from men 'who have seen it all'. Sudhir, a participant, said; "This clinic was a rich experience and re-lived my college days. I was a member of my college team, but because of a busy schedule, I do not get the time to play or practice this game. This Cricket Clinic provided a good opportunity for people like me to spend time with experts and gain knowledge from them".

Mr. Jayant Pendharkar, VP (Marketing) - TCS, and Ms. Nina Screwala of Maitree, the group that handles recreational activities for the employees, graced the occasion by their presence.