The search is on for a new coach to guide the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy team. With the present incumbent W.V. Raman reportedly expressing a desire to coach at the grassroots level, the process will begin in the next two days.
The aspiring coaches will need to apply and those picked for the interview will be asked to make power point presentations before an elite Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) panel.
According to reliable sources, the leading candidates for the job are D. Vasu, M. Venkataramana, S. Sriram, G. Jayakumar and Hemang Badani. Apart from having technical attributes and man-management skills, it is learnt the TNCA is seeking a coach with “a vision for the side.”
Although Tamil Nadu reached the final of the Ranji Trophy last season, there was considerable disappointment in several quarters at the side’s capitulation in the final against Karnataka. A former State cricketer said to this newspaper, “It was shocking how the team came apart in the final. The side did not even put up a fight.”
Most of the coaches in the fray are familiar names with Venkataramana, Sriram and Badani having represented India while Vasu has turned out for South Zone.
Former Kerala Ranji cricketer Jayakumar is a rather low-profile coach who has done some solid work with the Chemplast cricketers over the years. The technically pure Murali Vijay attributes a lot of his success to the work he has put in under Jayakumar.
It is learnt Jayakumar may have a good chance of becoming, at least, the assistant coach, if not bagging the top job.
The astute Sriram is someone who has a good record with the Tamil Nadu ‘A’ side. Vasu brings with him experience and knowledge. Venkataramana can enable Tamil Nadu overcome spin bowling shortcomings with his inputs. Badani has the least experience as coach but possesses batting expertise.
With Bharat Arun certain to be confirmed as the Indian team’s bowling coach for the next two years, the TNCA Academy Director’s post, left vacant by him, will need a new occupant.
Raman could be a front-runner for the job. There are others too in the race. Given his background as an all-round cricketer, Vasu could be given the role if he does not fit in as the Tamil Nadu coach.
The State senior selection panel, headed by S. Sharath, will see no changes this year. The wise men, however, will have to grapple with the contentious issue of allowing an outstation cricketer to figure in the Ranji side.
Strong arguments can be made for and against the move. Tamil Nadu has concerns in the spin bowling department and it is felt a young bowler such as Haryana leggie Yuzvendra Chahal could offers years of service to the State in the much-scrutinised spin bowling department.
Such a move might be met with stiff resistance with many arguing that an outstation player could be blocking the path of a promising State cricketer.
