Sanjay Bangar, Abhay Sharma named as support staff for West Indies tour

Sanjay Bangar and Abhay Sharma will travel with the Indian squad as support staff for the upcoming tour of West Indies, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced.

“In consultation with Mr. Anil Kumble, Head Coach, Indian Cricket Team, the BCCI has appointed the following assistant coaches for theIndia tour of West Indies, 2016 -Assistant Coach (Batting) – Mr. Sanjay Bangar,Assistant Coach (Fielding) – Mr. Abhay Sharma,” a BCCI release stated.

Bangar, former India all-rounder, was the interim coach of the national set-up for the just concluded tour of Zimbabwe. Bangar also was appointed as the assistant coach of the Indian team during the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series in England in 2014, but his contract expired at the end of the World T20 that was held in India this year. In addition to it, he is currently the head coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kings XI Punjab.

Abhay Sharma, former Railways and Delhi wicket-keeper batsman, will also accompany the side. Abhay, who has held coaching positions with Under-19, India ‘A’ and Rest of India units, had recently served as the fielding coach for the ODIs and T20Is played against Zimbabwe.

The Indian team will embark on a tour to West Indies in July and August, where they are scheduled to play four Tests. It will also be the first assignment for the newly appointed coach of team India, Anil Kumble.