Delhi Daredevils ropes in Amre as Kirsten's deputy, Eric Simons removed

New Delhi: IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils has roped in former India batsman and current Mumbai Ranji Trophy coach Praveen Amre as their assistant coach for the upcoming season, removing South African Eric Simons, who was with the franchise for five editions, starting 2010.

Amre, who is rated as one of the best coaches in the domestic circuit has been a key force behind the success of players like Ajinkya Rahane, Robin Uthappa, Naman Ojha to name a few. He is country's first professional coach, who deals with players facing technical problems on a one-on-one basis.

"I am sure that it will be great experience to work with the Delhi boys. We have quality players like JP Duminy, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Manoj Tiwary, Saurabh Tiwary. I am hopeful of providing them with technical expertise and help Daredevils do well in IPL-8," Amre told PTI from Ahmedabad, where he is with Mumbai's one-day team, playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Amre feels that having worked with most of these boys will prove to be a great help and his experience of working with Allan Donald at Pune Warriors will also prove to be beneficial.

"I have worked with guys like Manoj, Saurabh when I was the India A coach. An Indian coach can be a good communicator. Also it will be a great opportunity to learn from someone like Gary Kirsten, who had made significant contribution as India coach," said Amre.

Asked about his role as a personal coach, who is involved in one-on-one sessions with his wards like Rahane, Uthappa, Ojha, Amre said, "I have learnt from my guru Ramakant Achrekar about focussing on solving the problems of the players.

"If there is some technical problem in batting, however complicated it might be, but it's not rocket science! It can be sorted out. When I see Ajinkya, Robin or Naman doing well, I feel like a doctor, who has prescribed correct medicines for his patients!"

Asked about what exactly went wrong with the Daredevils last season where they ended as wooden spooners, Amre said, "I believe the balance of the side needs to be looked into because we have talent in abundance in this line-up. I think this season will be different from the last one and we would do well."