Goud banks on familiarity factor in coaching Karnataka

Both Yere Goud and bowling coach, S. Arvind, have played alongside members of the current Karnataka squad, which helps them establish an easy connection with the players.

A file photo of Yere Goud at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Newly-appointed Karnataka coach Yere Goud, and bowling coach S. Arvind, bring a unique perspective to their roles. Both have played alongside members of the current Karnataka squad, which helps them establish an easy connection with the players.

Goud — who featured in the Karnataka team from 1994-2005, and again from 2006-2008 — said, “I have played with (captain) Vinay Kumar and S. Arvind. C.M. Gautam was my junior during my playing days. It helps me understand them better. If they aren’t performing, then I can try to understand their thought process and help them out.”

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Goud’s first assignment is the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-day tournament, where Karnataka finds itself in the tough Elite Group ‘A’ alongside teams like Mumbai, Punjab and Baroda. “It’s good to be in a competitive group, because you have to be on your toes from the very first game. And with this new format, there is a chance that five teams could qualify from Group A,” Goud said.