Our Player Pathway Programme supports Buckinghamshire's best young cricketers to reach their potential in the game. We coach and run match programmes for Boys and Girls, and we link those between Bucks Cricket and First-Class Academies.

We asked our Boys players in Professional Academies to talk us through their journey within the Bucks Cricket Player Pathway, and where they find themselves today in the professional game.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club - Danny Chapman

Northamptonshire County Cricket Club - Sai Boorghu, Yash Kochhar, Ben Taylor

Question & Answer

Q: How are you getting on at your pro county academy this winter and what have been the biggest learnings/work-ons so far?

Sai Boorghu: "A fast bowling all rounder on my final year in the Northants CCC Academy. I’ve been working on building back up to full fitness to be ready for the 2025 season following a shoulder injury last year. My experience on the academy has been impactful as it provides a supportive system to showcase your skills and develop key traits in order to succeed as a professional cricketer. "

Danny Chapman: "Since moving to the Derbyshire Academy in December 2024, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. My main work-on with my batting has been to get my movements going up and down the wicket, and with my bowling I have been focusing on my run up and landing position at the crease."

Yash Kochhar: "This winter at my academy has been an incredible experience. The intensity and professionalism of the setup have pushed me to improve, both physically and mentally. The biggest learnings so far have been refining the small details—whether that’s improving my game awareness, adapting to different conditions, or improving my fitness to improve performance. Technical refinements, especially in my bowling, have been a key focus, along with developing the mental resilience needed at this level. The coaches and support staff have been outstanding, constantly pushing me to improve and helping me take my game to the next level."

Ben Taylor: "I am really enjoying my first year at Northamptonshire Academy, taking on as many learnings as I can. My biggest learning is definitely the professional habits you build in this kind of environment, not only the core areas of cricket itself, but also focussing on S&C, punctuality, attitude and professionalism.  You are responsible for what you are working on and the coaches are there to help you get to where you want to. Having high quality coaches such as Ben Sanderson (Northants CCC Opening Bowler), has really helped my bowling as he is very experienced and can spot errors well."

Q: What are your aspirations/goals for the 2025 season?

Sai Boorghu: "My main goal for the next season is to secure a rookie contract by September. I will improve my chances of achieving this through consistent performances in the 2ndXI, particularly with the ball." 

Danny Chapman: "My main goals and aspirations for the 2025 season are to go to the Super 4s and try to get some more experience in 2nd XI Cricket. I would also like to play some more 1st XI Cricket for Bucks." 

Yash Kochhar: "My main goal for the 2025 season is to make a significant impact at academy level and push for opportunities in the 2nd XI. I want to consistently perform, contribute match-winning performances, and continue developing my all-round game. Representing Northants in the 2nd XI would be a huge step forward, and I’m determined to prove myself. Staying fit, fine-tuning my skills, and being adaptable in different match situations will be key to achieving these goals."

Ben Taylor: "My goals for the 2025 season are to make the most of the opportunities I am presented with and be confident with my game in every situation I face, which will hopefully lead to some good results and personal performances."

Q: How did Bucks help you get to where you are, and do you have any advice for younger players coming through the pathway with the same aspirations to play professional cricket?

Sai Boorghu: "Bucks Cricket has been pivotal to growing the cricketer that I am since joining in Under 11s through the support of all the support staff, in particular the EPP. The EPP has had a major influence in me becoming a scholar on the academy and provided an initial exposure to the professional side of the game. My advice to young players would be to focus on processes rather than outcome, and learn from failures rather than dwell on them as you will fail more than you succeed in cricket."

Danny Chapman: "Bucks have been essential in my development as a player. Since first joining the Pathway in 2017, they have provided me with the support to enable me to pursue my goal of becoming a professional cricketer. They have given me with various opportunities in all teams throughout the pathway, and last season I was lucky enough to get selected to play for the 1st XI last summer. My advice to younger players in the Bucks Pathway who aspire to play professional cricket would be to try and enjoy your cricket as much as possible, because when you are enjoying it, you will be play better. I would also encourage players wanting to play professional cricket to work as hard as you can, because if you put in these extra hours, the results will take care of themselves."

Yash Kochhar: "Bucks has been absolutely instrumental in my journey. The coaching, support, and opportunities I’ve had throughout my time in the pathway have shaped me into the player I am today. I have to give massive credit to Jason Rance and Harv, who have played a huge role in my development. Their knowledge, dedication, and belief in me have been invaluable. The competitive matches, high-quality coaching, and exposure to high-performance environments at Bucks have all played a massive role in preparing me for the challenges at the academy level."

Ben Taylor: "Bucks not only allowed me to enjoy playing high quality cricket with good friends, but also helped me grow my game with training in winter and matches in summer. My advice to younger players, and what Bucks helped me with, is to enjoy the cricket you play because when you are enjoying playing you usually perform to your best."