After ZCA stint, Kambli eyes coaching role under BCCI

Kambli was the batting consultant at the U-16 boys Zonal Cricket Academy (ZCA) camp for East Zone in Ranchi.

Vinod Kambli at the ZCA camp in Ranchi.

For Vinod Kambli, the last few days have been quite different.

With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointing Kambli as the batting consultant at the U-16 boys Zonal Cricket Academy (ZCA) camp for East Zone in Ranchi, the former India cricketer isn't in front of television cameras talking cricket. He has been busy spending most of his time out on the field sharing valuable batting tips with the budding cricketers.

“I thank the BCCI for reposing the faith in me and giving me this opportunity. The guys were outstanding. I had a good interaction with them and they were keen on listening to whatever I said,” Kambli told  Sportstar   from Ranchi.

While his four-day assignment got over on Thursday, the camp will continue for a few more days. “I really enjoyed this stint. This is just a start for me. Now, let’s see what the BCCI decides,” Kambli said.

Kambli, who recently entered the coaching arena with his stint in the T20 Mumbai League, thanked his old friend, Sachin Tendulkar, for encouraging him to take up coaching assignments. “I would thank Sachin for bringing me to this format. I was mostly on television, talking about cricket. He met me one day and asked, 'What are you doing here? Enter where you belong. Talk to youngsters about the game’," Kambli reminisced.

Soon, he started coaching at the Mumbai Cricket Association Academy and later got involved in the T20 Mumbai League. “It was really challenging but I like these challenges, so it was a good experience,” Kambli said.

Kambli was elated at the news of Arjun Tendulkar getting picked for the India U-19 squad for Sri Lanka tour. “I am really happy for Arjun. He has really worked hard. I have been reading about him and have also spoken to his coaches and they have all told me that he is a hard working guy. From the core of my heart, I would like to congratulate the Tendulkar family,” Kambli said.

 “I saw Arjun as a baby and now he is selected for India U-19 squad. His father, Sachin, would always say that one should follow the dreams and I am happy to see Arjun following his dreams. It is a great feeling,” the former India batsman added.