Former India cricketer Vijay Dahiya has vowed to bring his experience to the plate after being appointed as an assistant coach at the new Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow. Dahiya, currently working as the coach of the Uttar Pradesh team, will be part of the Lucknow roster alongside Andy Flower and Gautam Gambhir. The latter will work as a mentor while Flower will work as the head coach of the side.
“This (Lucknow) is a really good team. There are two teams, one on-field and the other off-field; this is an off-field team that looks great at the moment. Andy Flower can be seen coaching in all leagues so there are plenty of things that can be learned. In this situation, I have to go as an assistant coach with the same attitude as I will have a lot to learn from him,” 48-year-old Dahiya said while speaking to Sports Tak.
The Haryana-born former wicketkeeper-batter was also full of praise for his former teammate in Delhi, Gautam Gambhir. He spoke about his time with the former World Cup-winner and how helpful his bond with Gambhir could help the franchise.
“Everyone knows Gautam Gambhir, his knowledge and cricketing brain is immaculate, so to work with him will be fun. We won the IPL together during our time at KKR as I was the assistant and he (Gambhir) was the captain of the side. We also played together with the Delhi Ranji team and also won the competition, so there is a special bond and faith in between us.
“To be fair, there is time or maybe there is no time. You have to make the team within the time allotted to you. There are different sets of challenges when you are forming a new team. Eight teams are already formed and present, but the best part is that you have to start doing things from the beginning. This is a challenge and we are ready for it,” Dahiya added when asked about the plans for the Uttar Pradesh-based franchise.
Dahiya will bring tons of experience going into the IPL 2022. Reports have also emerged that KL Rahul will be part of the team and is likely to be named as the captain.
