Andhra Appoints Ex-Mumbai Batter Indulkar as New Batting Mentor

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) is showing exceptional intent leading into the domestic season. Just a day after finalizing world-renowned coach Gary Stead for the head support role, ACA has appointed Vinit Indulkar as the batting coach.

Indulkar, a 41-year-old seasoned player from Mumbai, has already joined the Andhra team. He connected with the squad on Sunday in Mysore, where they are competing in the KSCA tournament.

“I am on my way to Mysore,” Indulkar mentioned to Cricbuzz, remaining tight-lipped about his new appointment, stating he would speak further post-completion of his paperwork with ACA. Nevertheless, a senior ACA official confirmed the former Mumbai batter’s engagement.

Previously, Indulkar served as Mumbai’s batting coach until the last season when the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) chose to move on from him. Bravish Shetty has since replaced him, but ACA is thrilled with their acquisition. “He was a crucial part of Mumbai’s support staff last season when Mumbai reached the Ranji semifinals and clinched the Mushtaq Ali tournament,” an Andhra representative stated.

Indulkar played in 43 first-class matches over a career spanning 16 years, from 2004 to 2020.

Andhra legend MSK Prasad praises ACA for hiring Stead

The ACA’s choice to appoint Stead has won widespread commendation. “A smart decision by the ACA. It promises to be transformative for Andhra cricket. Although the state has always been rich in talent, it needed direction. The players may not often express themselves fully, but having Gary, with his grounded New Zealand origins, is ideal for the Andhra environment,” remarked MSK Prasad, a former India player with historical ties to the ACA, to Cricbuzz.

“With Gary’s extensive experience elevating New Zealand cricket to global finals across all formats and securing a World Test Championship win, his presence is a tremendous advantage. He can offer Andhra cricket clear strategy, empower players to express themselves, and enhance their outlook.”

Prasad, an iconic figure in Andhra cricket and the state’s first international player, once appointed former New Zealand cricketer Maria Fahey as head coach of the women’s team nearly a decade back during his tenure as ACA’s CEO. “Maria Fahey was instrumental for Andhra’s women’s cricket, laying the groundwork for its growth. Stead’s introduction will facilitate another rich cultural collaboration between New Zealand and Andhra players,” the former India chief selector observed.