Former India and Mumbai paceman Aavishkar Salvi has been named the coach of Puducherry Ranji Trophy team. The side will make its maiden appearance in the premier domestic competition this season.
The 36-year-old Salvi has represented India in four ODIs. He had a longer first class career, picking 169 wickets in 62 matches at 25.72.
Commenting on the selection of Salvi as coach, P. Damodaran, secretary, Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP), told Sportstar, “I initially wanted J. Arun Kumar as coach. But he was not interested in a role that demanded six months of commitment. He was keener on shorter assignments.”
Damodaran added, “Then, I decided on Salvi. I know him personally and he has a smart cricketing brain and can get things done. And he has featured in Ranji Trophy triumphs for Mumbai, brings with him the tough and uncompromising Mumbai approach.”
The CAP secretary said, “He is also the chief administrator for cricket in the BPCL team that has several India cricketers. So Salvi knows his job.”
In fact, all members of the coaching team for Puducherry, Ranji coach Salvi, assistant coach Onkar Khanvilkar, fielding coach Dishant Yagnik, under-23 coach Pravin Tambe and U-23 assistant coach Kumar Subramaniam all have their cricketing roots in Mumbai - except Yagnik, who represented Rajasthan.
“I am very keen on bringing the famed Mumbai cricket culture to Puducherry,” said Damodaran.
Khanvilkar was an off-spinning all-rounder for Mumbai while Yagnik shone as a wicket-keeper batsman for Rajasthan. Tambe, a late bloomer, made his name as a leg-spinner in the IPL and represented Mumbai.
Damodaran said experienced seam-bowling all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and prolific batsman Paras Dogra have been roped in as outstation cricketers. “We are looking out for a left-arm spinner.”
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