Shrikant Kalyani appointed as Maharastra coach

Shrikant Kalyani, the former Maharashtra and Bengal batsman, has been named coach of the Maharashtra senior team for the 2016-17 Indian domestic season, replacing Australian David Andrews, who coached the side in the last two seasons.

“It’s a great feeling to be appointed as Maharashtra coach. I came to know that it is [a decision] taken by the managing committee [of the Maharashtra Cricket Association],” Kalyani told ESPNcricinfo. “After playing more than 18 years of first-class cricket, I’d really like to share my experience with the boys and nurture their talent.”

Maharashtra had an underwhelming season in 2015-16, finishing third from last in Group A. Kalyani said he kept track of Maharashtra’s recent performances, and that he would address the team’s issues.

“My main purpose will be to enhance the talent of the boys overall,” he said. “I have to work on their fitness, technique, their strengths, all these things are there.”

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Maharashtra has had a number of coaches in recent times like Shaun Williams, Dermot Reeve, Surendra Bhave and Andrews, but Kalyani said he wasn’t worried about getting – or not getting – a long stint.

“I suppose it [the contract] is for one year,” he said. “I am not concerned with the long-run coaching contract. I am concerned with enhancing the performance of the boys.”

Ajay Shirke, the president of the Maharashtra Cricket Association, announced that Kalyani will also be a part of the state’s selection committee, which will be chaired by Riyaz Bagwan. Also on the selection committee are the assistant coach Akshay Tandale, Kaisar Fakih and Rahul Dhole Patil.

Kalyani played for Maharashtra and Bengal in his first class career before retiring in the 2000-01 season with 6306 first-class runs in 101 matches at an average of 49.65. He also played 51 List A matches for 1599 runs.

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He made his debut for Maharashtra against Baroda in December 1983, and within a year made it to the West Zone team for a four-day game against England XI. After a loss to Tamil Nadu in the 1988-89 Ranji quarterfinal, Kalyani shifted to Bengal, and ended his career with them in 2000-01.