Zimbabwe Cricket has appointed former India cricketer Lalchand Rajput as their head coach. He will succeed Heath Streak, who had to step down after Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the ICC World Cup.
Meanwhile, Rajput was a part of India’s coaching staff during the 2007 World Twenty. Furthermore, he also worked with the Afghanistan side.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukhlani admitted that they are targetting to qualify for the next 20 and 50 over tournaments. He feels Lalchand Rajput can build the young side.
“We are targeting qualification for the next T20 and 50-over World Cup tournaments and we believe Lalchand has the pedigree and experience to build a young side and help us achieve our goals,” he said.
“Lalchand has a wealth of experience and an outstanding track record of success throughout his career. His hard-working and passionate approach and his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward,” he added.
It is a positive move from Zimbabwe
Hamilton Masakadza feels it is a positive move from Zimbabwe as he can bring his wealth to the team. Masakadza admitted Lalchand Rajput could bring positivity to the side.
“I think it is a positive move from ZC. Appointing someone of his experience and stature bodes well for the future of our cricket as he is a really positive coach who brings a lot of positive energy and wants to see positive results for the team,” Masakadza said.
“I have been very impressed with his work ethic and attention to detail. We have worked on a lot of specifics and put a lot of time into our games. The boys have responded really well to the rigorous training schedule and we are already starting to see a lot of improvement,” he added.
Lalchand Rajput played two Tests and four ODIs between 1985 and 1987. Zimbabwe have a limited-overs tour of South Africa in September – and will play Test cricket in Bangladesh after that.