It’s been a year, dozens of nominations from around the world and 12 monthly winners. Now PitchVision can finally announce the prestigious Global Coach of the Year.

PitchVision is pleased to announce Praveen Hinganikar as the Global 2016-17 PV Coach of the Year

Praveen Hinganikar is not a household name in the cricket world. Yet, his work as a coach has influenced cricketers from grass-roots to the professional game. The selection panel recognised this talent beyond the glamour of fame. So despite strong competition from coaches in the UK, Australia and South Africa, there was only one winner.

For those who know him, it’s obvious why Praveen won.

For everyone else, remember the name because he is a phenomenon. Head of PHCA since 2008, his academy is an illustrious highly successful centre of excellence for cricketers in Nagpur, India.

Currently the Academy has over 200 players with many already playing state cricket and five first-class cricketers. It’s a track record that is a testament to the great long term commitment of Pravin Hinganikar and his team.

PV caught up with Praveen to inform him of his success, and reflect on his work as a dedicated, passionate cricket coach.

How do you feel about winning this prestigious official Global PitchVision Coach of the Year 2016-17?

It is a great achievement and feeling to know that I have been chosen. It could be possible only because of my player's involvement. I really want to thank the PV panel and the awards committee for the honour.

How did you first get a passion for coaching?

During my playing days, in Nagpur, we did not have any coaches to guide the teams and players. My first coach was Mr. Kamraj Kesri. He taught me a lot about the game. After him, there was no one to guide. Also, no technology was there, like it's there today. Even TV was not that popular in our days. When I retired from first-class cricket, I thought I should get into cricket coaching and pass on my learnings, education, to the future generation.

Fortunately, the cricket association gave me the opportunity to coach. I coached under 19 boys for three years. After that, I was delegated to coach the Vidarbha Ranji Trophy Team. During this, I was also given the opportunity to coach the Zonal Cricket Academy also as a fast bowling coach twice. All these opportunities put me into the passion of coaching. Also, my boys responded to my coaching, inputs to improve their game and this basically boosted my moral support.

What is your philosophy for being a good coach?

As far as philosophy is concerned, one must get to the root of the problem. I get to the root of the cause, try to minimise issues. I try to nurture the boys the way they are. I try to maintain their natural game.

What challenges do modern coaches face that did not exist years ago?

One challenge is the education system. The education system today is such as the boys do not get time to practice. During holidays, summer vacations we get their complete attention towards the game which helps us to train them properly.

The new generation is such that they do not accept things as it is, unless and until you are able to convince them. This is a good thing too that they are not blindly following the things. And thus the coach also has to be stay updated.

What is your greatest skill as a coach and how did you achieve it?

I played first-class cricket at the age of 17, on the merits of my batting. After few years, I was given the opportunity to be a wicketkeeper. I also used to regularly bowl in the nets. Since I have managed to be in all three aspects, I am able to handle situations and train boys accordingly.

How do you mentor a good player to become a professional cricketer?

I make sure that the player is disciplined with the passion to improve day by day. To be a professional cricketer, one must have mental stability and toughness. I try to bring all these aspects by putting hard work, discipline career, life,

What is your proudest moment as a coach?

When the Vidarbha team reached the semi finals of the Elite Group, they lost against the UP team, but we played very hard till the end. The second proudest moment was when I started my cricket academy. The third was when Yash Thakur was picked up by the Indian Team for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. He came to me at the age of 13. Four years he worked very hard

Who do you admire and respect in the coaching world?

My first coach Mr. Kamraj Kesri, he was the person whose coaching gave me confidence. I have immense respect for him. As far as admiration is concerned, I can say that Mr. Chandrakant Pandit, Sandeep Patil are good coaches.

What would you change about the coaching world?

One thing is very sure than everyone, every coach should enter into technology. This change is a must. Technology helps in improving coaching and performance. It takes the game to a very next level.