Tamil Nadu likely to retain Abhinav Mukund as captain

Reliable sources have confirmed to The Hindu that the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has virtually decided to name Abhinav Mukund as the State Ranji team skipper for the coming season. It has also been learnt that M. Sanjay will continue as assistant coach.

Although Tamil Nadu was outplayed by Karnataka in last season’s Ranji final, the selectors are, reportedly, pleased with the manner Abhinav, an experienced opener, has captained the side.

“He (Abhinav) showed maturity and carried the players with him,” an official said. Abhinav, a former India top-order southpaw, took over captaincy from middle-order batsman R. Prasanna in the middle of last season.

However, the hunt for the head coach continues. And some fresh names are doing the rounds. The TNCA is willing to look beyond the State too to find a suitable candidate for the top job. A new coach, replacing W.V. Raman, will have to be appointed before the All-India Buchi Babu tournament commences mid-August.

An official revealed former India paceman Venkatesh Prasad has shown interest. Also in contention is former Mumbai batsman Amol Muzumdar. An official said, “Mumbai has a winning culture and Amol could bring that with him to the side. In several ways, he could be an excellent choice.”

The TNCA is pursuing former State and India all-rounder Robin Singh too. “It will be difficult to get him since he has so many commitments. But if he is willing, it will be good news for the side. He has all the credentials,” a source said.

Former State and India off-spinner Aashish Kapoor has also thrown his hat in the ring. He has held discussions with the TNCA top brass on the issue.

Another former Tamil Nadu and India off-spinner M. Venkataramana could be in with a chance if the emphasis is on improving the State side’s under-the-scanner bowling.

A bunch of new names in the list does not imply some older names such as S. Sriram and D. Vasu are out of it. Former State and India southpaw Hemang Badani, though, has opted out owing to personal reasons.

“We want a forward-thinking coach with strategic and technical knowledge of the game. Importantly, he should possess man-management skills,” said a source.

While there is no shortage of aspirants, the time now has come for TNCA to be decisive.