The Story

Biju George has been one of the most revered names among young cricketers in Kerala. His credentials have always been great but since the culmination of the ICC Women’s World Cup, things have become more sensational.

When not training the ladies, he can be found running his daily operations at the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) Cricket Coaching Centre situated at the Medical College Ground where aspiring cricketers try to soak all the knowledge imparted from the cricketing brain.

One of the key men behind the glorious run

Biju was one of the key figures behind the team’s string of impressive performances which took them to the finals of the marquee event where they, unfortunately, lost to the hosts by just nine runs. The loss did not cause any upset, however, as people back home held their heads high with pride.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the Indian team was their fielding and Biju was the man responsible for it. India has been improving vastly under his coaching which was evident in the fact the Mithali Raj led side was the snapped up 32 catches, seven run outs, and two stumpings, making them the best fielding side in the tournament leaping ahead of traditional biggies Australia and England.

But, while the players were in the middle of all the limelight, which obviously they deserved, Biju was away from all of it, coaching young cricketers for free at the Medical College Ground where he has to take care of every minute arrangements.

“We need 12 balls at a time. We get a few from SAI, who have their limitations as cricket is not a priority discipline, and also from KCA,” said Biju.

Satisfying journey

Biju joined the India set up that had only appointed former Baroda batsman Tushar Arothe as their new head coach and bonded very well with the team in a short period.

“The players were very open with zero arrogance and great work ethics,” said Biju who has previously coached the India Under-19s, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Kuwait national team.

Speaking about the journey, he remained humble and spoke honestly about the weaknesses which led to the loss and the mood in the team thereafter.

“We lost some quick wickets and did not have batsmen who could pierce the inner circle in the final overs. On any other day, we could have won it,” said the coach.

“Everybody was crying after the match, even our liaison officer and two security officers who were English. Harmanpreet did not come out of her room even the day after the final. But we have to get over it and with the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup coming up, we have to rebuild the squad,” said Biju.

Biju felt there is a need to do more when it comes to women’s cricket in Kerala.

“We need a women’s league to have players who can go onto play for India. At least, we should allow a couple of women in B division district leagues so that we can improve the quality of our players,” he said.

The World Cu glory may have slipped away but he terms it as his best experience in his career.