Arun named RCB assistant coach

Royal Challengers Bangalore have appointed former India fast bowler B Arun as the assistant coach. Arun, who is currently serving as India's bowling coach, will be part of an IPL side's staff for the first time, as deputy to Daniel Vettori.

Before he was appointed to India's coaching staff during the England tour last year, Arun was in charge of the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore in addition to being the head coach of the India team that went to the Under-19 World Cup. Arun believes his experience with the senior India team will help him settle easily in his role at Royal Challengers. "You can draw a lot of confidence after working with some of the top players of the world," he said. "There is a lot of confidence I will be taking from the Indian job into the IPL."

Despite fast bowling being his forte, Arun has always believed in understanding the mindset of a player to make him grow. And this is one area he believes he can make a difference with at Royal Challengers. "I help a player to discover himself more and a player understanding himself better gives him the best chance to succeed."

Despite having a star-packed line-up Royal Challengers have tended to underachieve, and finished seventh on the points table last year. Arun is confident about bouncing back. "The team is pretty well balance and strong. They have always been front-runners to the title."

Arun also stressed that Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers captain, will continue to be the most important factor in the team's success. "Virat has an outstanding work ethic, befitting a top athlete in the world. He is extremely passionate about the game. A captain having such an attitude makes it easier for the players to follow him. He walked the talk in Australia. So it would be quite exciting to watch him bring the same attitude into the IPL."