Sanjay Bangar appointed batting coach for India's tour of West Indies
Sanjay Bangar is set to continue his stint with the Indian team after being appointed as batting coach for India’s upcoming trip to the Caribbean. Abhay Sharma will also travel with the team as fielding coach.
India are scheduled to play 4 Tests in West Indies starting from July 21 on different venues such as Antigua, Jamaica, Gros Islet and Trinidad. The tour will also be the first assignment for Anil Kumble, the newly appointed head coach.
In fact, both the appointments have been made in consultation with Kumble. Bangar was the interim coach during the recently completed limited-overs tour to Zimbabwe with Sharma looking after the fielding department.
A BCCI press release stated, “In consultation with Mr. Anil Kumble, Head Coach, Indian Cricket Team, the BCCI has appointed the following assistant coaches for the India tour of West Indies, 2016 – Assistant Coach (Batting) - Mr. Sanjay Bangar, Assistant Coach (Fielding) - Mr. Abhay Sharma.”
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The former all-rounder is also the head coach of Kings XI Punjab in the IPL while Sharma previously worked with the India U-19, India ‘A’ and Rest of India sides. Appointed as assistant coach prior to the 2014 ODI series in England, Bangar has been taking care of the Indian batsmen since then.
Virat Kohli will lead the 17-man squad which includes Mohammed Shami who returns from a lengthy lay-off (due to a knee injury) and uncapped Mumbai fast bowler Shardul Thakur.
Currently ranked number 2, India would look to maintain their recent form in cricket’s traditional format. Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, the visitors had clinched the 3-match series by 1-0 in their last trip to the Caribbean.