Riyaz Bagwan to serve as Admin manager for WI tour

With the Indian team bound to leave for the West Indies in less than a month, the BCCI have appointed Riyaz Bagwan to serve as the Administrative manager for the upcoming tour of the West Indies. Bagwan serves as a chief selector for the Maharashtra Cricket Association’s (MCA) Ranji Trophy selection panel chairman. The subsequent announcement was made by the MCA on Thursday.

The BCCI initially roped in Anil Kumble, the former India Test skipper to fill the void vacated by Team Director Ravi Shastri. Sanjay Bangar, the former Indian all-rounder, and the interim coach during the Zimbabwe tour has been retained as the batting coach. Abhay Sharma, the fielding coach for the Zimbabwe tour also has been retained as the fielding coach. Sharma, who is popular with the players took over from R Sridhar following the conclusion of the World T20.

However, at the moment, all eyes are currently on the 45-year old Anil Kumble who will have to make the difficult transition from star player to behind the scenes coach. Current incumbent coach Anil Kumble joined up with the team at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to take charge of his first practice session. The practice session was in stern preparation of the upcoming tour of the West Indies.

Prior to the start of the series, the Indians will play a two-day practice match and a three-day warm-up match at St. Kitts on July 9 and 14 respectively. The first Test is scheduled to be played at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua on the 21st of July.

Also, check out – Infographics: A look at Anil Kumble’s career timeline