11-Sep-2008 127
Former India left-arm spinner Venkatapathy Raju was appointed as the chief coach of the Orissa Ranji Trophy and under-22 teams today.
According to Orissa Cricket Association announcement, the 39-year-old Hyderabadi has been roped in for the year 2008-09. Currently functioning as a National selector, Raju would be getting a professional fee of about Rs 4 lakh.
``We hope under his guidance, Orissa would perform better in the Elite League of the National championship this season,`` OCA secretary Asirbad Behera said.
But cricket observers believe that Raju will have a tough task in his hand when age is catching up with establised players of the state senior team and youngsters are not showing enough potential to replace the seniors.
Orissa has also been place in tough group, that features Mumbai, Delhi, Punjab, Baroda, Hyderabad and Gujarat. On top of it, the preparation for the Ranji team is yet to start due to OCA elections, which was conducted last month.
Also known as ``Muscle``, Raju is expected to take up the new assignment after the end of his second term as National selector later this month.
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