MUMBAI: Former Mumbai wicketkeeper-turned coach Vinayak Samant will be the head coach of Bihar, in the news due to 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi's exploits in IPL-2025, for the upcoming domestic season. Samant was Mumbai's head coach for two seasons, from 2018 to 2020. He was also the fielding coach at the Assam Cricket Association's cricket academy in the 2023-24 season.
The former stumper, who played 101 first-class matches for Mumbai and Tripura before retiring in 2011, was known as a gutsy cricketer. Samant had coached the Mumbai Under-23 team to the Col CK Nayudu Trophy title in the 2023-24 season, and is currently the batting coach of Belgium, which is playing in the European League.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!"Yes, I've joined Bihar as their head coach. I'm looking forward to working with some exciting talent there and contributing to the development of Bihar cricket," Samant told TOI from Brussels. Commenting on the chance to coach Suryavanshi, who smashed a sensational 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Samant said, "He's a phenomenal talent, as we all saw in the IPL. He's too young at the moment and I don't want to curb his natural game, but yes, I'll be looking to guide him in making minor adjustments in improving his red-ball match, so that he can perform well in the Ranji Trophy too," the 52-year-old said.
Who's that IPL player?Samant was appointed for the job by former Mumbai cricketer and selector Anand Yalvigi, who is currently the Director — Game Development & Operations, of the Bihar Cricket Association. "When I was appointed as the director of the BCA, I wanted a coach who has worked at different levels-Vinayak has worked at the grassroots level and also with the state teams. He has himself come through the grassroots. Most importantly, he has been the head coach of the Mumbai team, which is a big credential. He's somebody who has played 101 first-class matches, so he had tremendous experience. Also, I've played with Vinayak since my childhood. So, I'm aware of his brilliant commitment and dedication levels. He will help Bihar to develop their cricket in the coming season," said Yalvigi.
“The face of Bihar cricket is changing. We want to involve the best of coaches and selectors to hone the emerging talent of Bihar. As part of this process, we are getting new people on board for Bihar cricket,” said Bihar Cricket Association president Rakesh Tiwary from Patna.
Samant will be making his maiden trip to Patna in Bihar later this month, as the BCA plans to launch its inaugural T20 league next month. “I could never go to Bihar as a player, so this will be a new experience for me” he said.
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