I am a mediumpacer. I cannot swing the ball at my normal pace. Why does this happen?

(Akhtar Hussain, 16, Jamshedpur)

Check your grip and wrist action at time of delivery. Work with your coach on your action as well at time of delivery.

I am a mediumpacer. Please suggest a diet that I can follow on the day of a match.

(Tapan Mukherjee, 19, Calcutta-42)

Eat well and healthy. Don’t stuff yourself too much or else you will feel lethargic.

I am an allrounder. I have been doing a lot of running and gym during the off season. Is it okay?

(Rajeeb Dutta, 24, Calcutta-45)

That’s always good. It will build your endurance and stamina and make you more determined and focused.

I often hit the ball into the air when trying to drive overpitched deliveries. Please help.

(Manish Dutta, 18, Guwahati)

Keep your head down when you make contact and ensure that your foot is close to the pitch of the ball.

I am an allrounder. But after every off-season, I struggle to get back to my rhythm. Why does this happen?

(Arnab Bhattacharjee, 22, Calcutta)

It does take a while. Start your preparation for the season a little earlier the next time around.

I am a left-handed batsman. Often while offering a defensive shot to a left-arm spinner I get caught at silly point. Why does this happen?

(Raktim Roy, 19)

Make sure your bat is in front of the pad when you defend for starters.

I am a right-handed batsman. I often lose my balance and am hit wicket when attempting the hook. Please advise.

(Piyush Ganguly, 17, Calcutta)

Use the depth of the crease when you go back and across. Also pick up the line and length early so that you have enough time to play the shot.

How does one improve slip catching? Will only practice help?

(Ram Gupta, 18, Jamshedpur)

That’s the best way and also work with your coach on the right technique which allows you to receive the ball with soft hands and not grab at it.

I am a wicketkeeper and weak on the leg side. I always try and follow the ball coming out of the bowler’s hand but the collection problem on the leg side persists. How can I improve?

(Suman Basu, Calcutta-16)

Work on your footwork when moving sideways. That should help.

Is running and skipping good enough to improve footwork?

(Rohan Roy, Calcutta)

Very good. I always skipped a bit before I went out to bat. You can do it as well.