Mumbai: Former India cricketer Pravin Amre and ex-India wicketkeeper Surender Khanna are the latest inclusions in the list of contenders for the role of Team India’s head coach. “Yes, I have applied for the job,” said Amre, who comes with a remarkable resume as a coach in the domestic circuit.“On June 1, BCCI made the announcement to welcome applications for Team India’s head coach. First, we apply and then we have to come with our presentation before the BCCI,” said Amre, who played 11 Tests and 37 ODIs for India.
Amre, on his credentials said: “I have worked with the Mumbai Ranji team. I have recently completed specialised coaching in batting.” Known for his gritty batting and a debut ton against the pace attack comprising Allan Donald and Brett Schultz in Durban (1992), Amre spoke on how Indian can perform better overseas.
Amre cited Rahane’s twin half-centuries in Durban (2013) to substantiate his stance. “Along with Virat Kohli, Rahane is one of the key players in India’s batting unit. He worked very hard for the last three years to reach this level. The inputs I gave him worked,” Amre added. Amre also served as assistant coach of IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils.
A hard-hitting opener in his time, Khanna has not had the coaching experience the others may, but his aggressive approach to cricket made him a standout talent for years. He was man of the series in the first Asia Cup in Sharjah besides being a pillar of Delhi and North Zone cricket. Khanna was a member of Delhi’s maiden Ranji Trophy-winning team in 1978-79.
