Former Goa cricketer now coaching in UK and USA wants to build bridges between India, England, America and Portugal
PANAJI
Former Goa cricketer and coach Rajesh Naik is now shaping an ambitious international future for young Goan cricketers after establishing a coaching career that has taken him from Goa to England and, more recently, to the United States.
After spending over two decades involved in county cricket in England, Naik is currently based in North Carolina, USA, where he serves as head coach at the prestigious Cricket Drive Academy. The academy focuses on nurturing young talent in a country where cricket is rapidly gaining popularity.
Despite his international commitments, Naik remains deeply connected to Goa and is determined to create opportunities for the next generation of cricketers from the state to gain global exposure.
Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Naik said his association with county cricket began in 1997 and continued until around 2015-16. He believes the English county system played a significant role in shaping several Goan cricketers over the years.
Although the rise of the IPL has reduced the number of Indian players travelling to England for club and county exposure, Naik stressed that overseas experience continues to be invaluable for a young cricketer’s growth. He cited Goa batter Snehal Kauthankar as one of the recent examples of a player benefiting from exposure in England.
Naik also highlighted the journeys of Goan cricketers such as Peter John Rodrigues, Keenan Vaz and Sudin Kamat, who gained valuable experience through opportunities created in the UK.
The former Goa player further revealed that he continues to maintain strong cricketing relationships with respected Indian cricket figures, including VVS Laxman, from whom he regularly seeks guidance on player development and coaching methods.
Naik’s coaching career has steadily expanded internationally. After completing the ECB Level 3 coaching certification, he is now pursuing the elite Level 4 qualification through the Gary Kirsten Academy, regarded as one of cricket’s highest coaching pathways.
His move to the United States in 2024 came through connections with former South African first-class cricketer Ian Stewart and the Gary Kirsten Academy network. This eventually led him to work alongside USA pathway coaches such as J Arun Kumar and West Indies great Alvin Kallicharan.
The academy currently trains players between the ages of seven and 19, with a strong emphasis on preparing young cricketers for the higher demands of the USA cricket pathway and eventual national representation.
However, Naik’s larger ambition extends beyond coaching.
He is now actively working on developing cricket exchange programmes connecting India, England and the United States, allowing young players to gain international exposure at an early stage.
“I’m connected with three countries now—India, England and the USA—and trying to create opportunities for young cricketers across all three,” Naik said.
He confirmed that discussions are already underway with clubs such as Panjim Gymkhana and Margao Cricket Club regarding potential cricket tours and exchange programmes involving England and the United States.
“Exposure is everything because it builds confidence in players,” he remarked.
Naik believes cricket in the United States is growing at a remarkable pace, particularly following the success of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, which significantly boosted interest in the sport across the country.
“It’s growing massively—in infrastructure, players and performance. Big stadiums are coming up and investors are putting huge amounts of money into cricket,” he said.
He also praised India’s cricket development system and believes the USA is gradually adopting similar structures with support from experienced international coaches and former Indian first-class players now based there.
Another area Naik hopes to develop is stronger cricketing ties with Portugal, especially following the success of Goa-origin cricketer Keenan Vaz representing the European nation.
Naik said he and close associate Jude Cardozo are exploring possibilities to establish Portugal-Goa cricket exchanges in the near future.
“We want Goan cricketers to get international exposure and opportunities. What we could not achieve, we want the next generation to achieve,” Naik stated.
Concluding with a message for aspiring cricketers in Goa, Naik urged youngsters to remain disciplined, committed and focused on the process of development rather than immediate results.
“The opportunities are there—in England, America, Portugal and India. Young players just need dedication and passion for the sport. We want Goan cricketers to shine on the international stage,” he added.
