Amre to be Kirsten's deputy at Delhi Daredevils

Former India batsman and Mumbai Ranji Trophy coach Praveen Amre has been roped in by Delhi Daredevils as assistant coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League season.

He will replace South Africa’s Eric Simons, who was with the franchise for five editions, since 2010.

Amre, who is rated as one of the best coaches in the domestic circuit, is said to be responsible for 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 said 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 the players in the past will be of great help and his experience of working with Allan Donald at Pune Warriors will also prove 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 a significant contribution as India coach," said Amre.

Asked about his role as a personal coach, who is involved in one-on-one sessions with players like Rahane, Uthappa, Ojha, Amre said, "I have learned 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, 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 up with the wooden spoon, Amre replied, "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."

Image: Praveen Amre

Photograph: Bikash Mohapatra