Tripura appoint Lance Klusener as consultant ahead of domestic season

The Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) has landed a prized scalp after roping in former South African international Lance Klusener as a consultant for the state team. The 51-year-old will oversee the development of the cricketers in the state along with working with the Ranji side.

The former South African all-rounder, who is currently the coach of the Durban Super Giants in the SA20 tournament, boasts of international pedigree, having previously worked as a batting coach for South Africa and Zimbabwe. He also acted as the head coach of Afghanistan during the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Although it is a massive coup for the state of Tripura and Indian domestic cricket in general, Klusener is no stranger to the domestic circuit as he was also Delhi's consultant coach for the 2018-19 season. The 51-year-old has been roped in on a contractual basis and will be at the helm for a period of 100 days. 

While he would prioritise his role with the Ranji team, the former Proteas star would also assist in the development of the state's eight teams in both sections across various age groups. Tripura Cricket Association vice-president Timir Chanda will accompany Klusener to the state capital Agartala on Saturday, with the South African staying in the capital for 20 days, guiding budding cricketers in the region.

"We hope the cricketers will benefit from his vast international experience. Our cricketers are also excited to work with Klusener," Chanda said in a statement. 

Klusener became the front-runner after Dav Whatmore backed out of the role

Interestingly, the TCA vice-president had mentioned putting out an advertisement for a coaching role in March earlier this week. They even received some high-profile applicants, including former Australian cricketer and Sri Lankan coach, Dav Whatmore and Lance Klusener. Whatmore, who guided Sri Lanka to their maiden World Cup triumph in 1996, was their first pick, but the Aussie backed out of the talks at the very last moment due to personal reasons.