(Cricket News) Former Indian cricketer, Abhay Sharma has been appointed as the head coach of the Uganda national side ahead of the T20 World Cup this June. Uganda will feature in a global event such as a World Cup for the very first time in their history. Abhay’s tenure with the side will began at the T20 World Cup.
“We selected Abhay Sharma for his strong leadership qualities and impressive track record of success at professional and international levels,” Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) secretary Jackson Kavuma said in a press statement. “His coaching stints with notable teams such as the Delhi Ranji Team, Rest of India, and India A & B in the Deodhar Trophy demonstrate his deep understanding of the game and ability to nurture players.”
Abhay retired from cricket in 2003 post which he has played the role of a coach in the Indian domestic circuit. He is quite experienced when it comes to be in a position of a coach. He has had stints with the senior Indian men’s and women’s side as a fielding coach and has also been a part of India A and India U19 men’s team.
“I am very grateful to UCA for this opportunity to work with a bunch of talented of national cricketers. Having been in Uganda for just a couple of days, it already feels like my second home,” Abhay said. “I am here to contribute to the team’s aspirations, which include defeating the top sides in the world in the upcoming World Cup. Additionally, I intend to focus on the development team and work with as many young cricketers to build numbers.
“While Uganda Cricket has performed well in the last 12 months, there are areas, particularly fielding, where we need to improve. What I have read in the newspapers and what I have seen in the data is that we have lost a couple of opportunities in the field. And yet even after missing out on those chances, we still qualified for the World Cup.
“Imagine how much better we can perform if we address these lapses. With enhanced game awareness and mental fortitude, we can compete with the world’s best teams on any given day.”
Uganda allrounder Alpesh Ramjani said Abhay’s appointment will help the team grow. “His experience is a fortune for us. It is definitely going to help us in the World Cup, as well as for the development of the players individually,” Ramjani told PTI. “His techniques and experience will help in the growth of Uganda as a team.”
Uganda have been placed in Group C at the T20 World Cup. They are placed alongside Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and West Indies. Uganda will kick-off their campaign against Afghanistan on the 4th of June at Guyana. The T20 World Cup will kick-off on the 2nd June with the finals to be played on the 29th June.
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