Chance for youngsters to Shine: Sanjay Bangar

Appointed coach of the national team for the tour of Zimbabwe, Sanjay Bangar says the upcoming limited overs fixtures against the minnows will be a good opportunity for India’s young cricketers to prove their mettle in international cricket.

Former India and Railways all-rounder Bangar was last month named India coach for the tour that will have three ODIs and three T20 Internationals starting June 11.

The selectors named a largely inexperienced squad for the tour, which will be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

“This is a very important tour for the young players. It provides them an ideal opportunity to test themselves in international waters. It is the start of a new season and it gives them an opportunity to make a mark and keep knocking at the doors of the Indian team,” Bangar was quoted as saying by bcci.tv.

“We have a fair idea of what they are capable of and how we can optimise their strengths into the composition of the team. Not many of them would have played in Zimbabwe and getting used to the conditions in such a short period would be a major challenge.

“The conditions too are a bit challenging as compared to the other parts of the world. We don’t really have a lot of time there and we play our (first) match straightaway. Passing on the information and experiences that we have had from the previous tour would be vital. We have to make sure that the players are very well prepared and equipped to counter the challenges.”