MCA to appoint new coach on April 25

MUMBAI: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) will take the final call on the decision to appoint a new coach for the Ranji team on April 25. On Monday, the Managing Committee of the association interviewed six prospective candidates — ex-cricketers Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Pravin Amre, Sairaj Bahutule, Paras Mhambrey, Rahul Mankad and Sandeep Dahad,for thejob.
Former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar didn't turn up for the interview due to a prior commitment."Agarkar had a media commitment in Bangalore, and he had informed us about his unavailability for today. He had already spoken to us before the last Managing Committee meeting. If we feel the need to speak to him again, we will call him," MCA jt secretary PV Shetty told TOI on Monday. The MCA will seek the view points of chief selector Sandeep Patil on the matter too.
According to reliable sources, Agarkar remains the front-runner to become the new Mumbai coach.
Former Mumbai opener Vinayak Mane, who had expressed his interest in coaching the junior teams, too could not turn up for the interview. "Mane had informed us about his unavailability, but should meet us soon," said an MCA official.
Amongst those who were interviewed for coaching roles of junior sides were former Mumbai and Railways batsman Amit Pagnis. In all, the MCA interviewed 28 coaching aspirants for six posts (including two for the women's squads ) in different age group teams for Mumbai.