Goud banks on familiarity factor in coaching Karnataka

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.