This would be the 43-year-old Kotak's first ever IPL experience and the Rajkot resident is looking forward to working with the national and international players in the IPL.
Retired Saurashtra left-handed batsman and now their Ranji Trophy coach, Sitanshu Kotak, is all set to be appointed as assistant coach of Rajkot-based new IPL franchise, Gujarat Lions.
This would be the 43-year-old Kotak's first ever IPL experience and the Rajkot resident is looking forward to working with the national and international players in the IPL.
Kotak will join the likes of Australian Brad Hodge and bowling coach Heath Streak in the support staff.
"I am very pleased to be working with Gujarat Lions. It will be a great opportunity to work with the likes of captain Suresh Raina, Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja and also domestic experience," Kotak told dna on Thursday.
Kotak said the deal with Gujarat Lions was struck before last Saturday's IPL player auctions.
Kotak, who retired in 2013-14 after 21 years of playing first-class cricket for Saurashtra, took over as the team's Ranji Trophy coach and has guided the side to the semifinal in only his second season at the helm.
He said that having taken up the IPL offer, this would also be the first time that he would miss the English summer after going there continuously for 21 years as a professional.
"I also received an offer to join the Warwickshire County Cricket Club coaching staff but preferred to do coaching in India. The Gujarat Lions offer gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with the players."
Kotak said that hailing from Rajkot will help him in his role with his IPL team.
Though not having played more than just nine T20 matches in his career, Kotak said it's his vast experience as a player in India and in the minor leagues in England that will keep him in good stead. "IPL players, especially international cricketers, are smart and know their game. I can help them in their thought process during a game or in training, my observations that may have missed their attention. I am looking forward to this experience," he said.
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