HYDERABAD: “It is nice to be here,’’ said former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin who was at the Gymkhana grounds in Secunderabad on Friday morning. Coming here for the first time after his second son Ayazuddin’s death in a bike accident last month, the Moradabad MP was at hand to give tips to his elder son Asaduddin.Azhar bowled gentle seamers and taught a few upcoming medium-pacers how to grip the ball. When the left-handed Asaduddin’s turn came to bat at the nets, the father was all attentive. He watched every ball his son faced from behind the stumps. He would come now and then, show the grip or drive a ball with left hand stance.It was an education for Asaduddin.He also consulted Vijay Mohan Raj, former Hyderabad left-handed opener and coach, about his son’s batting and discussed with Sunil Joshi, newly-appointed Hyderabad Trophy Ranji coach, about his new assignment and the team.After the 25-minute session was over, Azhar told Faiz Baig, former Hyderabad wicketkeeper, that his son needed a few corrections in his batting grip. He appeared impressed with the facilities at the Gymkhana. “The facilities are good but the practice wickets are a bit soft,’’ he observed.On invitation by Joshi and fielding coach Noel David, Azhar also gave a pep talk to the members of the Hyderabad team, who were practising on the ground.“It was a great inspirational speech. The boys were motivated by Azhar’s presence. He was the right tonic before the start of the season,’’ said Joshi.David introduced all the players and the supporting staff to Azhar.“I can’t believe that Azhar sir spoke to me. I had never even dreamt of such a thing,” said left-arm bowler Muzzamil.
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