The energy inside the Robin Sports Relations Cricket Academy was unmistakable as young boys at GEMS Cambridge International School stepped forward one by one to receive their gleaming new kits ahead of the upcoming scholarship-programme trials. Though the official trials will take place later this month, the kit-presentation day felt like an important milestone — a moment that turned anticipation into reality and made months of hard training suddenly feel purposeful.
For many of the aspiring cricketers, this ceremony was more than a simple distribution of equipment. It marked the start of a more serious phase in their development, signalling that they were now part of a professional pathway with higher expectations and greater opportunities. The atmosphere carried a mix of excitement, nervous energy, and a deep sense of belonging.
For the academy’s coaching team, the day was not merely about handing out gear. It was an opportunity to reinforce discipline, set collective standards, and motivate students to take responsibility for their progress throughout the season. Principal Stephen Brecken, an ardent cricket enthusiast, watched with palpable pride as the children held their new kits, perhaps imagining the growth, challenges, and breakthroughs that awaited them.
This year’s programme carries added significance because of the academy’s intensified focus on talent identification and scholarship opportunities. The scholarship initiative has already inspired many young cricketers to train with renewed purpose, particularly those seeking financial support to continue their cricketing journey. For players who stand out in the trials, the pathway could open doors to advanced training, tournament exposure, and long-term development support.
Sharpening his skills at RSR
Among the students preparing for the trials is Abhijeet Chaturvedi, who has been training at RSR with increasing confidence. Over recent months, he has focused on extending his time at the crease and sharpening the discipline of his bowling — two areas where he has made noticeable progress. Still early in his cricketing journey, Abhijeet approaches each session with clear intent, concentrating on fundamentals such as watching the ball closely, playing with purpose, and improving steadily through repetition and discipline.
The next young cricketer, Rayhan, brings his own sense of excitement as he prepares for the scholarship trials. Now 11 years old, he has shown improved assurance in both batting and bowling. His growing ability to hold his shape at the crease and maintain a consistent line with his leg-spin reflects deeper understanding and maturity. For Rayhan, the trials represent an opportunity to test himself and take the next step in his cricketing progression.
A Year 11 student, Michael Sequira, adds a more seasoned perspective to the group — one shaped by the demands of balancing cricket with rigorous academic subjects such as physics, chemistry, and computer science. A pace-bowling all-rounder who began at age ten, he sees these trials as part of his comeback journey after an injury layoff. Over recent months, he has focused on rebuilding his rhythm, improving control, and regaining confidence in his body. Inspired by elite fast bowlers like Jofra Archer, he is determined to return to competitive cricket with renewed strength.
For Eahan in Year 10, the scholarship trials represent both an immediate challenge and a long-term ambition. A cricketer since the age of eight, he has risen through the system, recently captaining RSR academy side in the ECB tournament. Over time, he has grown into a thoughtful off-spinner and an effective leader, learning to manage diverse teammates, communicate clearly, and respond to pressure situations. His improvement over the past year — especially in developing variations, enhancing stamina, and making better on-field decisions — reflects his ambition to eventually represent the UAE at higher levels.
Samyukt Naidu, a 13-year-old from Year 8, is stepping back into cricket after an extended break. Once a promising all-rounder, he had paused his cricketing activities due to breathing challenges and shifted temporarily to basketball. Now with his health stabilised, he is eager to rebuild fitness, redevelop his cricketing instincts, and reconnect with the sport he enjoys most. While basketball has aided his conditioning and decision-making, cricket offers him a unique sense of joy, and the upcoming trials feel like a fresh beginning.
Across all the interviews, a common thread emerged: growth. Whether recovering from injury, refining core skills, or striving toward higher representative levels, each student exhibited awareness of their strengths, limitations, and areas for improvement. That clarity — combined with the academy’s structured development pathway — is what makes the scholarship programme a meaningful, aspirational route rather than just another trial.
As the kit-presentation ceremony concluded, one message stood out clearly: the passion within this group runs deep. From the youngest players imitating their IPL heroes to older students navigating academics and sport with equal focus, the scholarship trials reflect the academy’s expanding ecosystem of motivated young athletes.
For these children, the journey is only beginning. The trials later this month will assess their skills, composure, and readiness for advanced training. But the environment cultivated by RSR ensures that when they step into that challenge, they do so with confidence, preparation, and a belief that discipline and opportunity can shape their future.