Wasim Jaffer emerges as front-runner for Punjab head coach role
With the upcoming domestic cricket season on the horizon, changes are in the air for the Punjab team, the defending champions of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The departure of coach Avishkar Salvi from the North Zone side has sparked discussions about who will take over the reins as the new head coach.
Speculation is rife that Wasim Jaffer, the highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy history, is set to replace his former Mumbai teammate. A Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) official has confirmed ongoing negotiations with the 46-year-old Jaffer, with a decision expected in the coming days.
New coaching appointments across domestic teams
Meanwhile, Tinu Yohannan has landed a coaching position with the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), taking over as the coach of the Andhra team for the upcoming season. Yohannan, a former India pacer who previously coached Kerala and worked with Delhi Capitals, succeeds local coach Nirmal Kumar.
Sulakshan Kulkarni, who recently ended his contract with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), has been appointed as the coach of the Maharashtra team, replacing Santosh Jedhe. Lakshmipathy Balaji may step in as the head coach for Tamil Nadu, while Surendra Bhave takes over as the coach of the Odisha team, replacing Dinesh Mongia.
Elsewhere, Tripura is on the hunt for a professional coach, while Rahul Tripathi returns to Maharashtra from Goa. The Maharashtra team has also added Rajneesh Gurbani, a key player in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy triumph in 2018, for the upcoming season.
Subhranshu Senapati has left Odisha to join Madhya Pradesh as a guest player, while Harpreet Singh Bhatia makes a comeback to MP after representing Chhattisgarh last season.