‘Rahane has come of age'

Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar expressed happiness at Mumbai batsman Ajinkya Rahane being named captain of the Indian team for the one-day and T20 series in Zimbabwe.

“It’s good news. It’s an honour for him and he will get exposure as captain,” said Vengsarkar.

“He has grown as a cricketer in the last two years across all formats. He scored a brilliant century against England at Lord’s last year. He also scored centuries in New Zealand and Australia. He has proved to be very consistent and disciplined. He’s come of age and has proved that he is of international class,” said Vengsarkar after presiding over the first Cricket Improvements Committee of the Mumbai Cricket Association here on Tuesday.

The CIC named Chandrakant Pandit head coach of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for two years (2015-17). He will also be the head coach of the MCA’s indoor academy at the MCA Recreation Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex.

“He’s been the coach of the Mumbai team that has won Ranji titles. He’s good at strategy,” said Vengsarkar.

“Praveen Amre did not want to be the coach (he’s elected managing committee member), and we considered Sulakshan Kulkarni, Sairaj Bahutule and Sameer Dighe.

“The MCA’s preparations will start in July; we have also decided to pick 20 players in the 10-12 age group and give them skill training at the indoor academy,” said Vengsarkar, who is also the vice-president of the MCA.

The MCA has named Milind Rege as chairman of the senior selection committee. Karsan Ghavri, Ravi Thaker and Nishit Shetty are the other members of the committee.

PTI adds from New Delhi

Sachin Tendulkar has extended his greetings to new India captain Ajinkya Rahane, and expressed hope that he will do a good job during the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.

Rahane, 27, is the first cricketer from Mumbai in 15 years to be handed the reins of the team, since Tendulkar in 2000.

“I feel very happy for Ajinkya. He is a sincere and hard working cricketer.

“I have always been impressed with his commitment and dedication. I am sure he will give his best and give us a reason to be proud of him. I wish him all the best,” Tendulkar told PTI .