Academy Director
Vijay R Bharadwaj
Former India Test & ODI cricketer. BCCI Level 3 coach. IPL franchise consultant. Star Sports analyst. Now building India's next generation of cricketers.
5500+
First-Class Runs
16
First-Class Hundreds
4×
Ranji Trophy Winner
Top 1%
BCCI Certified
20+
Years in Cricket
IPL
Head Talent Scout
Vijay R Bharadwaj
“The game teaches you more about yourself than anything else. My goal is to give every player the tools to discover that.”
The Cricketer
Vijay R Bharadwaj is one of Karnataka's greatest cricketers. A prolific middle-order batsman, he accumulated over 5,500 First-Class runs with 16 centuries across 15 seasons. His 4 Ranji Trophy titles with Karnataka cemented his legacy as a domestic legend before earning his India cap in Tests and ODIs.
The Coach
After retiring from playing, Vijay pursued coaching with the same intensity he brought to batting. He earned his BCCI Level 3 certification with a 2nd Rank nationally — placing him in the top 1% of coaches in India. He went on to serve as Batting Coach for Royal Challengers Bangalore and became Head Talent Scout for Delhi Capitals, directly shaping IPL squads and identifying India's future stars.
The Entrepreneur & Media Voice
Vijay founded SportsNest.com, building world-class sports infrastructure across India with partners including Brigade, Bagmane, and Puravankara. As a Star Sports cricket pundit and host of the DressingRoomShow, he brings his insider's perspective to millions of fans — making him one of the most respected voices in Indian cricket.
The Academy
VB Pase Cricket Academy is the culmination of everything Vijay has learned — as player, coach, entrepreneur, and analyst. Every detail of the facility, the coaching methodology, and the development pathway reflects what he knows produces cricketers ready for the highest level of the game.
Coaching Methodology
See the method in action.
Technique, mental strength, and match-readiness — built simultaneously, every session. This is what two decades of elite cricket looks like on the coaching floor.
Vijay's coaching draws directly from his experience as a Ranji Trophy champion, IPL franchise insider, and NCA faculty member — translated into practical, measurable development for every player at the academy.
Career Timeline
From dressing room to dugout to academy.
1993–2006
International & Domestic Cricket
Represented India in Tests and ODIs. Became one of Karnataka's most decorated cricketers with 5500+ First-Class runs, 16 centuries, and four Ranji Trophy titles. Man of the Series at the 4-Nation Kenya Tournament.
2007–2014
Coaching & National Certification
Earned BCCI Level 3 certification with a 2nd Rank nationally — placing him in the top 1% of coaches in India. Worked with Karnataka state teams, South Zone, and joined the NCA faculty.
2015–2019
IPL, Entrepreneurship & Infrastructure
Served as RCB Batting Coach and took on key roles with Mumbai Indians (CLT20). Founded SportsNest.com — building world-class sports infrastructure across India in partnership with Brigade, Bagmane, and Puravankara.
2020–Present
Media, Scouting & Academy
Star Sports cricket pundit and host of the DressingRoomShow — trusted for deep tactical analysis. Appointed Head Talent Scout for Delhi Capitals IPL franchise. Founded VB Pase Cricket Academy to channel decades of elite experience into the next generation.
Coaching Career
At every level of the game.
Delhi Capitals
Head Talent Scout
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Batting Coach
Mumbai Indians
Consultant Coach
Karnataka State Team
Head Coach
South Zone
Coach
NCA Bangalore
Faculty Member
Media & Analysis
The analyst's eye.
Star Sports / Hotstar
Cricket Pundit & Analyst
DressingRoomShow
Host & Creator
BCCI Broadcast Panel
Expert Commentator
Coaching Philosophy
“Great cricketers are not born — they are built. Technique, fitness, and mental strength are teachable. My job is to create the environment where all three develop simultaneously, so players walk out ready for any format, any level.”
— Vijay R Bharadwaj
Director's Corner
Straight from Vijay.
Announcements, daily coaching tips, and articles — in Vijay's own words.
Announcements
Annual year-round camp — now kicking off
7 June 2026
Following a brilliant summer, our annual year-round coaching camp is now under way. Structured training across batting, bowling, fielding and match play, with individual development plans and regular assessments. Enrolment is open — get in touch to secure a place for the new season.
Articles
Cricket Fitness and Strength Training for Juniors: A Guide
A coach's guide to cricket fitness and strength training for juniors — building safe, age-appropriate strength, speed and endurance for young Indian cricketers.
Read articleHow Elite Batsmen Read Match Situations and Adapt
A former India batsman and TV commentator breaks down the tactical 'why' behind shot selection — and a practical framework for young cricketers to build match awareness.
Read articleCricket Coaching for Kids in Bangalore: A Parent's Guide
A former India cricketer's honest guide to cricket coaching for kids in Bangalore — what to look for, how children progress, and how to build skill the right way.
Read articleBatting Under Pressure: What Young Cricketers Can Learn From the Latest IPL Season — A Commentator's Perspective
From RCB's nerveless title win to Sai Sudharsan's calm consistency, IPL 2025 was a masterclass in batting under pressure. I break down the temperament lessons every young cricketer in India should absorb — from the commentary box.
Read article
Daily Tips
Watch the ball out of the hand
7 June 2026
Give yourself the maximum time to react by picking the ball up early — from the bowler's hand, not off the pitch. Still head, eyes level, and let your hands follow the ball.
Soft hands against the moving ball
7 June 2026
When the ball is seaming or swinging, relax your grip and let the ball come to you. Soft hands turn a thick edge into a dead ball instead of a catch. Play late, under your eyes.
Train under a legend.
Experience coaching rooted in 20+ years of playing, mentoring, and analysing the game at the highest level.