Amre keen on video analyst for Mumbai

Pravin Amre's first decision as Mumbai coach is to implement the services of a video analyst during the forthcoming Ranji season. Amre, who took over the job two days ago, met with Lalchand Rajput, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) secretary, and Milind Rege, the selection panel chairman, to decide tactics.

"I explained them the need for one [video analyst]," he told The Hindustan Times. "In order to make the best use of technology, we must have a full-time video analyst."

Amre's ideas had the Mumbai management pleased. "It was a positive meeting," said Rajput. "We heard out Amre's plans and we are all exicted about the forthcoming season." Added Rege: "We will go all out to support Amre's plans."

The trio also discussed Mumbai's participation in next month's Moin-ud-Daulah trophy in Hyderabad. The tournament is being looked at with anticipation, given the failure of this summer's Kanga League and Mumbai's poor showing in the Buchi Babu fixture in Chennai. According to Rajput, Amre will travel with the team to Hyderabad. Rajput also revealed the unlikeliness of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy probables being announced until several key players return from club stints in England.

Ashok Mankad, who lost out to Amre despite being a favourite for the coaching job, offered his congratulations. "They [MCA] deliberated on the matter and I respect the decision," he said. "Now that he has got the nod, I wish him all the best."