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Hyderabad Cricket Association begins hunt for a saviour
In a decision that comes close on the heels of the Supreme Court ruling on a multitude of issues, HCA has taken a leaf from the BCCI in its quest to zero in on a coach, who can bring about a transformation to the mindset of the players, who have come a cropper against even lesser ranked outfits. In a rare initiative, HCA released an advertisement calling for applications from potential coaches.
On the face of it, it is in the pits. The sorry run of Hyderabad team has been to such low levels that it is remains in the Plate Division in the Ranji Trophy standings, Caught in such a precarious position that has been made worse by match-winners like Pragyan Ojha, G Hanuma Vihari moving out in search of greener pastures, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) is taking the proven Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) route to chart a robust revival path.
In a decision that comes close on the heels of the Supreme Court ruling on a multitude of issues, HCA has taken a leaf from the BCCI in its quest to zero in on a coach, who can bring about a transformation to the mindset of the players, who have come a cropper against even lesser ranked outfits. In a rare initiative, HCA released an advertisement calling for applications from potential coaches. This comes as a major turnaround considering that most of the coaches, including those hired from other States, have all been by mutual consent.
‘This was necessitated because although there is abundant talent, somehow, somewhere the boys have been falling short of expectations. We felt that a highly motivating outsider could perhaps ring in the changes that the team is looking for. We are looking at someone who can take on the mantle and play the role of the mentor-coach. who can inspire the boys to perform,’ stated John Manoj, Secretary of the Association. It implies that it will be curtains for Abdul Azeem, who has been the head coach of Hyderabad Ranji squad since September 2014.
‘The response to the advertisement has been pretty encouraging. We had six applications on the very first day. We will call for interviews and seek power-point presentations and also their plans of action to put Hyderabad back on track. Given the financial equations, we are looking to hire someone for a six-month period, which will cover the September to February Ranji season,’ he said, while refusing to reveal the names of the six who had already applied.
HCA has been ridden with myriad problems for a long time now. Ego-clashes and washing dirty linen have maligned its image considerably. ‘An open recruitment of the next coach will signify that we will stand by transparency and put an end to the charges that are being framed by certain disgruntled sections,’ John Manoj. Meanwhile, HCA is among the very few national bodies, whose incumbent panel has no politician in the ranks.
By Sridhar K Penna
