Asia Cup 2018: Left-arm throwdown coach appointed by India
What's the story
The Indian cricket management has roped in Sri Lanka's Nuwan Seneviratne as the new left-arm throwdown coach especially for the upcoming Asia Cup 2018. According to a report in The Indian Express, the move has been made to counter the Pakistani left-arm pacers in the coveted tourney. India's present throwdown coach is Raghu, who is mainly suited for right-hand bowling. Here's more.
Coach
Seneviratne may get an extension post the Asia Cup
The report also suggests that Seneviratne may also be roped in as a long-term coach post the Asia Cup. This will, however, depend on the feedback the BCCI gets from the management about his stint in the Asia Cup 2018. The Asia Cup kicks off on Saturday with Bangladesh playing against Sri Lanka. India open their campaign against Hong Kong.
Pakistan
Pakistan are lethal in pace bowling department
Pakistan have a flurry of left-arm pacers and the quality is top class. From Junaid Khan to Mohammad Amir, the array of pacers will come hard at India in the UAE. Pakistan have been exceptional in the UAE and know the conditions well. Therefore, India will need to be on their toes to see off the challenge their arch-rivals will provide.
Seneviratne
Seneviratne roped in to provide batsmen with adequate practice
A source close to The Indian Express has stated that, "One more reason for hiring his services was that the Pakistan team has good left-arm pacers. So he's been brought on board in-order to provide our batsmen with adequate practice." India do not want to be exposed like the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, where Pakistan had walloped them.
Information
Key facts about Seneviratne
Seneviratne has appeared in only two first-class games for Colombo Cricket Club. The 38-year-old has served in the Sri Lankan Cricket as a coach for a decade to help them with bowling. He has also worked as a fielding coach for the national team.