Former Team India manager Lalchand Rajput is one of the front-runners for the vacant Afghanistan head coach job. The 54-year old is also one among the 57 applicants who filed a nomination for Team India head coach position.
Afghanistan’s rise in cricket is not short of an inspirational story as the country was raged with war a decade ago. Now the growth of the game in Afghanistan is immense as they are getting extraordinary support from BCCI over the past few years.
Under Inzamam-ul-Haq, Afghanistan have become a more formidable side challenging big cricketing nations in bigger tournaments. After the resignation of Inzamam after T20 World Cup 2016, the search for a new coach began.
Speaking about the potential candidates, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) president Nasimullah Danish has confirmed that both Rajput and Mohammad Kaif are the front-runners for the job.
“We have received several applications from all over the world. We have Rajput and also Kaif on our radar for the head coach post. The final decision will be taken soon,” the ACB president said.
However, the board is keener on Rajput as he brings in loads of experience with him as he has already had coaching stints with the U-19 team as well as Mumbai Indians.
“Lalchand Rajput has coached many Indian players and teams. He is also a successful coach. We would like to invite him for the interview,” he said.
The ACB president has also confirmed that there is been a considerable amount of interest from all around the world for the vacant head coach job as the likes of Waqar Younis, Herschelle Gibbs have reportedly shown their interest.
“There have been several others from Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies who have shown interest, none from Sri Lanka. Even Waqar Younis, who was recently replaced as Pakistan coach has shown interest, though he has not sent his application but spoke to one of our officials,” the ACB chief said.
“Among several other Pakistanis who have responded to our requests are Manzoor Elahi, Mohammad Yousuf, and Zaman. Even South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs and a big name from West Indies have applied for the post,” he added.