M. Sanjay is set to become the assistant coach of the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy side. The former wicketkeeper-batsman was the State fielding coach last season.
With the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) deciding to change the structure of the coaching staff following a disastrous season in 2012-13, the State team will no longer have a bowling or a fielding coach.
Instead, an assistant coach will report to Raman.
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The indications are that the new State coach has confidence in Sanjay’s attributes; as a former wicketkeeper-batsman he can offer a different perspective too.
There is also a view that there should be some continuity from the last season. Though Raman has not spoken on the subject, there are voices that throw light on his line of thinking.
The TNCA, it is understood, has left the choice of coming up with a name for the assistant coach’s job to Raman himself. And Sanjay is likely to be the coach’s choice.
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If true, the TNCA process makes sense for the coach has to work in tandem with his assistant. Any friction here could be detrimental to the side.
Another member of TNCA’s support staff last season, bowling coach D.J. Gokulakrishnan, could step in as coach of the State under-19 side this year. S. Sriram is virtually certain to continue as State ‘A’ team coach.