The BCCI has appointed former India wicket-keeper batsman, Ajay Ratra as the fielding coach of the India U19 side at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) camp in Bengaluru.
Ratra had represented India in six Tests and 12 One-Day Internationals. However, he failed to cement his place in the national side. Ratra managed to score only 163 runs in the red-ball format, whereas; he scored 90 runs in the ODIs.
Previously, Ajay Ratra had worked with the Punjab Ranji team and will play a pivotal role in shaping the India U19 cricketers. Reportedly, he also applied for the job of the Mumbai Ranji team after Sameer Dighe stepped down.
An elated Ratra took to Twitter to announce the news. He will be working with the side in the National Cricket Academy.
“Ajay Ratra appointed Fielding & WK coach of India U-19 NCA Camp at Bangalore by NCA-BCCI – Team Ajay Ratra / Stardesk
#ajayratra#coach#nca#nationalcricketacademy#bcci#stardesk,” he tweeted.
Ajay Ratra appointed Fielding & WK coach of India U-19 NCA Camp at Bangalore by NCA-BCCI – Team Ajay Ratra / Stardesk #ajayratra #coach #nca #nationalcricketacademy #bcci #stardesk pic.twitter.com/htSu7SifDx
— Ajay Ratra (@ajratra) July 28, 2018
Meanwhile, India U19 team defeated Sri Lanka Under-19 by 2-0 to win the Youth Cup. Indian colts were dominant, as they won the first four-day game by an innings and 21 runs.
The visitor’s sealed the second match in the same fashion, as they won by an innings and 47 runs.
A five-match ODI series commencing from July 30 will follow the Test series. WV Raman is currently at the helm of the things in the absence of head coach Rahul Dravid. Dravid is in England with the India A side.
It will be a huge opportunity for Ajay Ratra to work with colts and help in the developments of young cricketers.