Amay Khurasiya becomes new Kerala head coach

Former India and Madhya Pradesh cricketer Amay Khurasiya was recently announced as the new head coach of Kerala. Retired in 2004, Khurasiya took to coaching shortly after his retirement and was the head coach of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association’s academy in Indore for 10 years, where he had players like Avesh Khan and Venkatesh Iyer under him. 

It is worth noting that Khurasiya has done a level 1 coaching course at the NCA in Bengaluru. It is also worth noting that former Australia pacer Shaun Tait was in the running to become Kerala’s head coach as well. However, Khurasiya got the job instead. 

Speaking of the same, the 52-year-old took centre stage and highlighted how happy he was to get the job. "I'm very happy to serve Kerala cricket,” Khurasiya told the Times of India.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Kerala announce squad for first Ranji Trophy clash, Sachin Baby to lead

Interestingly, Amay Khurasiya was a part of India’s 1999 World Cup squad and played a total of 12 ODIs for Team India. Across his 12 ODIs, Khurasiya scored 149 runs, with a high score of 57 runs, which was his only half-century in the format. 

However, his record in the domestic circuit spoke volumes about his talent. Having played 119 First-Class matches, Khurasiya scored 7304 runs to his name, hitting 21 centuries. Furthermore, he played 122 List A matches, where he scored 3768 runs, hitting four centuries. 

Khurasiya aims to start strong against Punjab

Khurasiya will be replacing M Venkataramana as the head coach of Kerala, who had left the job after overseeing the team for one season. Under Venkataramana, Kerala failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Ranji Trophy last year. For this year, Kerala’s campaign in the Ranji Trophy begins when they take on Punjab on October 11. 

With just a few days left before the start of the tournament, Khurasiya will have the tough task of getting the players together ahead of the clash and getting the side off to a good start to the tournament.