Lalchand Rajput appointed as Zimbabwe head coach

Rajput's full-time responsibility includes away series against South Africa and Bangladesh later this year.

Lalchand Rajput, former Indian cricketer and world cup winning coach, has been appointed as the permanent head coach of Zimbabwe men’s national team. He stepped into the role on an interim basis earlier in the month of June and now has got full-time responsibility which includes away series against South Africa and Bangladesh later this year.

The Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the development through a social media post on Saturday.

@ZimCricketv is thrilled to announce Lalchand Rajput has been appointed as the substantive head coach of our men’s national team. The former @BCCI international is a respected and successful coach reputed for his passion, hard work and intimate knowledge of the game #AllTheBest pic.twitter.com/nT3Tpt1NbZ

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) August 24, 2018

Tavengwa Mukhlani, the Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman, has congratulated Rajput on his appointment. He said, saying: “We are thrilled to appoint Lalchand as the substantive head coach of Zimbabwe’s senior men’s national cricket team. Lalchand has a wealth of experience and an outstanding track record of success throughout his career.”

Expressing himself on grabbing a new role, Rajput said, “It is an honour and privilege to work with Zimbabwe Cricket and I am really pleased to be given this opportunity to take this team to the next level, to work hard and ensure we make a difference in the coming years.”

Lalchand Rajput represented India India in two Tests and four ODIs. He continued playing first-class cricket until 1999, making 110 appearances and piled up 7,988 runs at 49.30.

He successfully coached India in the inaugural edition of the World T20 in 2007 and guided them to victory. He continued the good work with Afghanistan and has also coached Mumbai Indians in 2008.