Lalchand Rajput appointed the interim head coach of Zimbabwe

The former Indian cricketer Lalchand Rajput has been named the interim head coach of Zimbabwe cricket team. He will replace Heath Streak at the coveted position who was fired after the team had failed to qualify for the World Cup. They were the hosts of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers and despite ruling the tournament, crumbled at the crucial stages in the tournament. However, Rajput’s appointment that he has experience should help Zimbabwe as he has been at the helm before and his tenure with the team will be exciting.

He has the experience of coaching Afghanistan national cricket team and helped them towards gaining the Test Status before Phil Simmons replaced him earlier this year. He was also the team manager of the Indian team when the young side triumphed in the inaugural edition of the ICC World T20 in 2007. He has also been the coach of Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

ZC twitter handle confirms the news

The official Twitter handle of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed the news of Rajput being appointed as the head coach of the team on Thursday. “ZC has named Lalchand Rajput as Zimbabwe’s interim head coach. The 56-year-old former India cricketer is a highly qualified, vastly experienced and well-respected coach who was in charge when India won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007. We wish you all the best! #Welcome,” the tweet read.

Rajput’s first challenge as the coach of the team will be the T20I tri-series involving Australia and Pakistan which is set to commence on July 1 in Harare. ZC is also expected to announce the new captain soon after Graeme Cremer was sacked along with the coaching staff after the ICC World Cup Qualifier. Brendan Taylor is the front-runner for the position to take over on a permanent basis.

Here’s the tweet:

ZC has named Lalchand Rajput as Zimbabwe's interim head coach. The 56-year-old former India cricketer is a highly qualified, vastly experienced and well-respected coach who was in charge when India won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007. We wish you all the best! #Welcome pic.twitter.com/aokEOLqRGS

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) May 17, 2018

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