Calcutta: Bengal pacer Veer Pratap Singh is banking on former India coach Greg Chappell’s advice for the upcoming season. 

Veer met Chappell at Brisbane’s National Cricket Centre where he was sent by the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai. During the two-week long camp in July-August, he not only met Chappell but also various former Australian players including former England and Australia bowling coach Troy Cooley, taking some advice from them. 

Chappell’s advice, Veer believes, will be valuable for him. “During the camp, I met Greg Sir and he has helped me gain more and more confidence with his words… ‘No need to think about the past, just concentrate on what you are doing’. That’s what he told me,” recalled Veer, on Tuesday. 

Chappell has also asked Veer to vary his length accordingly. “He told me, ‘Don’t go by a any fixed plan. Think as per the situation and bowl accordingly’.

“He also asked me to hit the deck hard so that I get extra bounce from the wicket,” Veer said.

He also got tips from former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath when the latter was in Chennai at the pace foundation. “We used to have long chats when Glenn came to Chennai.

“He just asked me to focus on the basics. He told me not to try anything which is beyond my reach. I just want to follow that advice,” Veer said. 

“Glenn also told me not to use yorkers or slower deliveries on a regular basis. He also taught me how to use the seam correctly,” Veer added. 

On the other hand, Cooley asked him to rectify his action  a little bit. 

Bengal begin their Ranji Trophy campaign against Uttar Pradesh from October 13. Veer is hopeful of a better show this time around.