Mumbai: Former India cricketer V.V.S Laxman, a member of the BCCI’s cricket advisory committee, on Wednesday highlighted the need for “skilled coaches” to make full use of the emerging sporting talent in the country. “We never ever gave importance to Desh Prem Azad, who identified and nurtured Kapil Dev till he played for Haryana. I believe that more than infrastructure a lot of importance should be given to develop quality coaches and that is something, which we have recommended to the BCCI also,” said Laxman, while addressing a session of the CII-Sports Summit.

Laxman stressed the importance of having good mentors than infrastructure. He pointed out the example of Sachin Tendulkar's journey under the supervision of Ramakant Achrekar.

“My uncle was my mentor. He identified the spark, talent in me and convinced my parents that I got a good chance of playing at the highest level. How many kids have access or an opportunity of having such a guide. I was very fortunate that I had wonderful coaches in the academy where I went to,” added Laxman.