CHENNAI: The BCCI recently announced that WV Raman, Narendra Hirwani and TA Sekhar had been appointed coaches at the National Cricket Academy. The facility based in Bengaluru did not have coaches for more than a year.
It has emerged that Sekhar will not take up the job of fast bowling coach. The former seamer, who played two Tests in the early 80s and won recognition as coach at MRF Pace Academy, is contracted with Delhi Daredevils. Sources in BCCI said Sekhar has not been considered for the NCA job for refusing to severe ties with the IPL franchise.
“Sekhar has expressed unwillingness to give up the IPL job. And he can’t be appointed NCA coach if he is involved with an IPL team at the same time,” a BCCI source told Express on Tuesday. “This means Sekhar is not available for NCA. The decision was taken a few days ago.” Contacted by this newspaper, Sekhar didn’t confirm or deny this.
Sekhar was shortlisted from a pool of several applicants, for his experience in dealing with bowlers young and old. Although he is not joining, the NCA is in no hurry to hire another coach for fast bowling. Raman and Hirwani will work as batting and spin bowling coach, respectively.
“There are no plans of looking for someone in place of Sekhar right now. If need be, we will get a fast bowling coach in future. As of now, Raman and Hirwani will manage,” added the BCCI source, but didn’t elaborate why another fast bowling coach is not being appointed immediately.
It can be noted that Raman too had been associated with IPL teams in the past, but not since the previous season. Hirwani resigned from the post of chairman of the selection committee in Madhya Pradesh after son Mihir started playing for the senior state side.