COUNTY CRICKET
Solanki has featured in 54 international games for England. © Getty
Former England batsman Vikram Solanki has been named as Surrey’s head coach, the club announced on Friday (June 12).
Solanki will replace Michael Di Venuto after serving as his assistant since 2018. Venuto, former Australian cricketer and coach, ended his spell with the club last month after a four-year term.
Solanki joined Surrey as a player in 2013, before quitting the game in 2016.
Alec Stewart, Surrey County Cricket Club Director of Cricket, was delighted to appoint someone who has in-depth knowledge of the club’s functioning: “After recently having to make a tough decision on Michael Di Venuto, I’m very fortunate to have been able to appoint someone who knows our setup and players inside out – but has also broadened his coaching experience around the world in recent years.
“I have total confidence and faith that Vikram will step up to this new role and its associated challenges and responsibilities,” he said.
Solanki, who played 51 ODIs and three T20Is for England, has also served as assistant coach of IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore and also been involved in coaching duties in the Dubai based T10 league.
Speaking this week, Vikram Solanki said: “I’d like to begin by acknowledging the outstanding contribution of Michael Di Venuto during his time at the Club. I am now really excited to be taking over as Head Coach. We have a very talented group of players at Surrey CCC and will be looking to compete in all formats – both in any competitions that are able to be staged this summer and in the future.
“Our squad contains a great mixture of established talent and young up and coming players looking for opportunities. I’m looking forward to working with all Surrey players to make sure the Club has the best possible chance of delivering more silverware in the years to come,” he added.
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