Lalchand Rajput appointed as the head coach of Assam

The former Indian team manager and the Afghanistan team coach, Lalchand Rajput will be now seen taking up the head coach role of the Indian domestic team, Assam for the upcoming 2017/18 season. Rajput will replace Sunil Joshi as the head coach of Assam with the former Indian spinner being roped in as the spin bowling coach of the Bangladesh national side last month.

Lalchand’s contract as the head coach of Afghanistan came to an end as he refused to travel to Kabul and train the team. Rajput was the Indian team manager in 2007 when they won the inaugural World T20 and has the experience of working with India A and India U19 teams. The 55-year-old made unsuccessful attempts to become the Indian national team head coach twice in last two years.

Coaching – A passion

“I’m passionate about coaching, and it’s a great opportunity to coach the Ranji team of a state association which I’ve known for years earlier–I’ve played three years as a professional for Assam and also coached the Ranji team later. I know the people around there,” Lalchand Rajput was quoted saying to Times of India on Monday.

“I’ll be passing on all my coaching experience and knowledge over the last two decades to these players, so that it makes a difference in their cricketing performance. I’m really looking forward to working with the promising youngsters that they have.” The newly appointed coach of Assam domestic team added.

The Mumbai born player represented Assam during the 1991/92, 1992/93 and 1993/94 seasons after serving his home team for nine seasons from his debut in 1982/83. He later went on to become the Assam team coach in 2000, his first stint as support staff. Rajput also represented India between 1985 and 1987 in four ODIs and two Test matches.

Assam has proved themselves as a strong contender in the Ranji Trophy recording their best season in 2015/16 where they made it to the semi-finals. The side is currently placed in the Group A for the coming 2017/18 Ranji season where they have to face the likes of Karnataka, Hyderabad, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Railways and Maharashtra for qualifying for the knockout stage.