Coaches

At SOM Cricket Academy, our coaching team brings together decades of playing and coaching experience from professional cricket.

Coaches

Meet Our Expert Coaches

At SOM Cricket Academy, our coaching team brings together decades of playing and coaching experience from professional cricket. Each coach is dedicated to mentoring players, refining their skills, and guiding them toward excellence on and off the field.

With certified training methods, modern techniques, and a player-first approach, our coaches help every athlete unlock their true potential.

Tejas Varsani

Tejas Sir is a BCCI Level-3 Certified Coach with over 20 years of experience as a player and coach in Indian domestic cricket.

Former Ranji Trophy cricketer for Gujarat and West Zone representative

Extensive coaching experience with the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), BCCI, and National Cricket Academy (NCA)

Has coached across multiple age groups from Under-16 to senior teams

Served as Chief Coach of Gujarat's junior teams, guiding multiple championship-winning sides

Instrumental in developing players who progressed to the IPL, India Emerging squads, and national camps

Known for strong tactical acumen, batting expertise, and a player-first coaching philosophy

Brings a rare blend of elite-level experience, leadership, and mentorship as Head Coach

Payal Panchal

Payal Ma'am is a former Indian domestic cricketer with over 20 years of involvement in women's cricket.

Ex-captain of the Gujarat Senior Women's team for more than a decade

Represented Gujarat across all formats, featuring in 150+ first-class matches, including ODIs and T20s

Head Coach of the Gujarat Senior Women's team and Gujarat U-23 Women's team since 2014

Guided multiple teams to national-level qualifications and podium finishes at Inter-Zonal tournaments

BCCI NCA Level 1 and Level 2 certified coach

Completed Level 3 coaching certification from the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy

Served extensively as a batting, bowling, and fielding coach at NCA camps across India

Known for strong leadership, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to developing future women cricketers

Poojan Patel

Poojan Sir is a BCCI Level-2 Certified Coach with over 10 years of coaching experience.

Extensive coaching exposure across academies, schools, and competitive cricket environments.

Former wicket-keeper and opening batsman at district, university, and BCCI Under-23 levels.

Recently served as Head Coach at the Cricket Academy of Gujarat, Ahmedabad

Played a key role in designing long-term player development programs

Known for a structured, player-centric coaching approach

Focuses on developing technically sound, mentally strong, and disciplined cricketers

Brings a rare blend of playing experience and modern coaching methodology, enabling him to mentor players on and off the field

Rajnikant Pujara

Rajni Sir is a former left-arm spin bowler with a lifelong association with competitive cricket.

Began his cricketing journey at the age of 13

Represented I. M. Nanavati Law College in inter-college tournaments

Represented the SBI Ahmedabad Circle Cricket Team from 1991 to 2013

Competed in multiple state- and national-level tournaments across India

Conducted annual SBI Ahmedabad Circle coaching camps for over 20 years, nurturing young and emerging talent

BCCI-certified Level 1 coach, having completed the O-Level Coaching Seminar and Level 1 coaching under the BCCI National Cricket Academy

Currently serves as an Assistant Coach, focusing on grassroots development and foundational training

Known for his honesty, discipline, consistency, and dedication to the game

Committed to shaping the next generation of cricketers with strong fundamentals and values

Philosophy

Our Coaching Philosophy

At SOM Cricket Academy, our coaches believe that cricket training must focus on complete player development.

Personalised Coaching

We maintain small training batches so that every player receives dedicated attention from our coaches. This allows us to closely observe individual performance, understand each player's strengths and areas for improvement, and provide customised guidance that helps them progress faster and more effectively.

Technical Precision

Our coaches focus on refining batting, bowling, and fielding techniques through structured drills, video analysis, and consistent practice sessions. By correcting small technical flaws early, we help players build consistency, accuracy, and confidence in their game.

Mental Strength

Our training prepares players to handle match pressure, make quick decisions, and stay focused during challenging situations. Through match simulations and strategic guidance, players develop the confidence and mindset needed to perform at competitive levels.

Physical Fitness

A successful cricketer must be physically strong, agile, and resilient. Our training programs include strength conditioning, endurance building, agility drills, and recovery practices to ensure players maintain peak fitness and reduce the risk of injuries.

Train

Train With The Best

SOM Cricket Academy was founded with a simple but powerful vision - to create a professional cricket training environment where young players can nurture their talent and pursue their dreams.

Our coaching team is committed to helping every player reach their full potential. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics or an advanced player preparing for competitive cricket, our coaches provide the expertise and support needed to succeed.

Get Started Today

Book Your Ground

Train, practice, or host your next match at the SOM Cricket Academy's world-class cricket facility.

Whether you're a school team, corporate group, academy squad, or a passionate cricket enthusiast - our professional-grade ground and expert coaches are available for booking.