Rajput named interim coach of Zimbabwe

The 56-year-old, who until last year was the coach of Afghanistan, will replace Heath Streak, who lost his job following the team’s failure to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Lalchand Rajput played a key role in Afghanistan attaining its Test status.

Lalchand Rajput has been named the interim head coach of Zimbabwe.

The 56-year-old, who until last year was the coach of Afghanistan, will replace Heath Streak, who lost his job following the team’s failure to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Confirming the development, Givemore Makoni, the head of cricket operations at Zimbabwe Cricket, told  Sportstar that the seasoned coach will reach Harare in the next few days. “He is an experienced coach. He has done well for India and we got recommendation from BCCI, and that’s why we decided to go ahead,” Makoni said.

After parting ways with its old line of staff, the Zimbabwe Cricket is also in talks with few other coaching staff.

“We are in talks with some other coaches also, but we can’t reveal the names now,” Makoni said, adding that Rajput will be with the team for a while. “I can’t give you a definitive time, but he will be here for sometime now,” Makoni said.

Rajput confirmed the development. It is learnt that Zimbabwe Cricket offered the role to Rajput a few days back, and the seasoned coach took it up.

After helping India clinch the World T20 in 2007, Rajput also played a key role in helping Afghanistan attain its Test status.