The replacements for Rahul Dravid as the coach of junior Indian sides have been announced today. Sitanshu Kotak and Paras Mhambrey will now take care of the coaching duties of India A and India Under-19 sides respectively.
The reshufflings took place as Dravid was given the post as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA, Bengaluru)a month ago. The places were void for some time now and the appointments have been made.
Kotak represented Saurashtra cricket in domestic formats and scored close to 8000 runs in First-class cricket. The 46-year old will join Ramesh Powar, who has been appointed as the bowling coach a couple of days ago.
T Dilip will take over the duties as the fielding coach. The India A side will be playing against South Africa A side in days to come. The staff is expected to join the side ahead of the tournament.
The Indian Under-19 set-up
On the other hand, Paras Mambhrey will function as the head coach for the junior side. He has an International experience of 2 tests and 3 ODI”s in the 1996-1998 period.
Mhambrey has been one of the assets for the domestic Mumbai side over the years. He added over 284 wickets in just 91 first-class games. He will also take up the duties of the bowling coach for the junior side.
Mhambrey will also be assisted by Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Abhay Sharma to groom the youngsters.
The assignment commences from the Under-19 Asia Cup in the first week of September.
A huge responsibility ahead
Rahul Dravid”s effort over the years in grooming the younger sides was appreciated by many. Several youngsters have been given opportunities to perform for the national sides.
Under Dravid”s coaching, the Under-19 side won the world cup last year. Even the Indian A side performed well in their overseas tours.
A huge responsibility awaits the newly appointed staff to maintain the standards set by Dravid.
