HARARE: Former India batsman Lalchand Rajput has been appointed Zimbabwe head coach on a three-month deal, which might be extended based on the results.
Rajput replaced Heath Streak, who, along with the entire coaching staff, was sacked in March after the team failed to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.
Rajput’s first assignment will be a rather challenging one, with Zimbabwe set to play a home T20I tri-series against Australia and Pakistan in July.
Rajput had also coached Afghanistan in the last two years. “They (Zimbabwe Cricket) called me up and showed an interest in me. For now, the deal is for three months. After that, if both parties agree, it will be extended,” Rajput told the ICC.
“I am really happy with this, because this is what I was looking for after the job with Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan did exceptionally well when I was the coach there, so the people in Zimbabwe must have seen something that impressed them. But yes, it’s a challenge. Challenges get the best out of me. I think people know me for that.”
Zimbabwean cricket has been marred with crises in the last few years, especially on the financial front. In the current climate, Rajput said he needed to ensure the players playing as a unit.
“My first job will be to get the players ready for the triangular series.
“I have not yet met the players; I will go there and slowly find out everything, meet them, understand them, motivate them,” he said.
“There is a lot of talent there, but I need to turn things around quickly and hopefully take them to the next level. The main thing is to get the players together and get them to perform as a unit.”
Rajput also coached India U-19s previously, and was the senior team’s manager at the inaugural World T20 in 2007, which they won.
American sprinter Christian Coleman. — AFP/FileSHANGHAI: American sprinter Christian Coleman believes that Usain...
This screengrab taken from a video released on April 26, 2024, shows the children watching a cricket match between...
Royal Challengers Bangaluru batter Faf du Plessis plays a shot during the Indian Premier League 2024 match between...
In this picture, the players are playing a hockey match. — AFP/FileISLAMABAD: Trials to select Pakistan team for the...
New Zealand’s pacer William O’Rourke celebrates the wicket of Pakistan batter Saim Ayub with his teammates during...
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam's pre-match press conference at National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi. —...