Cricket

Former India seamer Paras Mhambrey has been appointed as Mumbai Indians' bowling coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Mhambrey, who previously served as MI's assistant coach, will work alongside current bowling coach Lasith Malinga under newly appointed head coach Mahela Jayawardene.Mhambrey brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as India's bowling coach from 2021 to August 2023 under Rahul Dravid. During his tenure, India won the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. He was also part of the MI setup when the team won the IPL in 2013 and the Champions League T20 in 2011 and 2013.In addition to his international and IPL experience, Mhambrey has also coached in Indian domestic cricket. He oversaw the India A team and helped Bengal reach successive Ranji Trophy finals in 2005-06 and 2006-07.As a player, Mhambrey represented India in two Tests and three ODIs between 1996 and 1998. He played for Mumbai in domestic cricket, taking 284 wickets in 91 first-class games and 111 wickets in 83 List A games.Mhambrey's appointment is part of a wider coaching staff overhaul at MI. On Sunday, the franchise announced the return of former Sri Lanka captain Jayawardene as their head coach. The coaching staff's first task will be to finalize Mumbai's retentions ahead of the October 31 deadline.MI finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2024 with just four wins in 14 games under new captain Hardik Pandya. The team will be hoping that the new coaching staff can help them return to their former glory in the upcoming season.

With the highly anticipated five-Test tour of Australia looming, the Indian team management faces the daunting task of finalizing its pace attack amidst uncertainty surrounding the fitness of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami.Akash Deep, despite his limited Test experience, has emerged as a beacon of assurance for the team. His impressive debut against England earlier this year showcased his ability to provide seam movement and control. Former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey believes Akash possesses the attributes necessary to succeed in Australia's challenging conditions.The selectors face the challenge of selecting five pacers for the tour, with workload management playing a crucial role. Even if Shami regains fitness, the team will require an additional pacer alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash.The team management is keen on including a left-arm option, with Yash Dayal currently in contention. Khaleel Ahmed and Arshdeep Singh are also potential candidates. Dayal appears to be the frontrunner, as his ability to create rough outside the off-stump could prove valuable in conjunction with Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav.Prasidh Krishna, with his height and seam-extracting capabilities, is another potential inclusion. The team management has invested heavily in his development, and his experience with the Kookaburra ball could be an asset.The success of India's pace attack in the previous Australia tour was largely attributed to the rigorous preparation provided by Rahul Dravid and Paras Mhambrey at the NCA. While the current crop of pacers may not have the same level of experience, they have been exposed to Kookaburra balls in India to familiarize themselves with the conditions.The upcoming three Tests against New Zealand and Shami's potential return to domestic cricket next month will provide further clarity on the team's pace resources. The selectors must carefully consider the workload management of their key bowlers and make strategic selections to ensure a balanced and effective attack for the all-important tour of Australia.

Umran Malik's meteoric rise to fame in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022, where he showcased his blistering pace and ability to consistently bowl over 150 km/h, earned him a spot in the Indian white-ball squad. However, despite his early promise, Malik has not featured for India in more than a year, raising questions about his current predicament.Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey believes that Malik's rapid rise without substantial red-ball cricket experience is a significant factor in his current situation. According to Mhambrey, Malik's swift ascent to the national team via the IPL is typical of a bowler who lacks the grounding that comes from playing longer formats. With only 12 First-Class matches under his belt, Malik has struggled to maintain his place in the national lineup."Umran is a classic case of someone who has not played enough red-ball cricket," Mhambrey told The Indian Express. "He came into reckoning through the IPL. That's 24 balls in a game. Sometimes you don't even get to bowl 24 balls. The amount of pressure in bowling 24 balls is not like the red ball. I feel this (T20) is not a format to judge a prospect."Mhambrey emphasizes the importance of First-Class cricket for developing a bowler's skills and endurance. He explains that while the IPL offers a platform for showcasing talent, it doesn't replicate the mental and physical demands of longer formats."For all the perks that come with bowling in the IPL, it has its repercussions as well," Mhambrey continued. "We made sure that he played Ranji Trophy and red-ball cricket. The moment you play one season, you understand your bowling. Physically, you will be tested in different phases of the game. Sometimes you will have to be on the ground for six sessions. And to be able to bowl with that intensity when the last session is coming up, you will be physically and mentally challenged. And you need to go through that."Mhambrey's insights highlight a crucial element in Umran Malik's development: the need for experience and endurance that comes only from playing red-ball cricket. Without this foundation, Malik has found it challenging to adjust to the rigors of international cricket, leading to his exclusion from the team.

Former South African pace legend Morne Morkel has been appointed as the new bowling coach of the Indian cricket team, completing the support staff for newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. Morkel, 39, replaces Paras Mhambrey and will take over from the Bangladesh series starting on September 19. He has been appointed until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.Morkel was Gambhir's preferred choice, having worked with him at Lucknow Super Giants during the Indian's two IPL seasons as mentor of the franchise. The South African has played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for his country, taking a total of 544 international wickets.Morkel's appointment is seen as a significant move, given his experience and success as a fast bowler. He will be tasked with handling the transition phase as Mohammed Shami enters the latter stages of his career and Jasprit Bumrah needs more potent support, especially in red-ball cricket.Morkel's biggest challenge will be to nurture the next generation of Indian fast bowlers, including Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Yash Thakur. He is expected to work closely with VVS Laxman and Troy Cooley at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.The other members of Gambhir's support staff include assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach Ryan Ten Doeschate. India has never had a dedicated spin bowling coach, but Sairaj Bahutule, who is part of Laxman's team at the NCA, has traveled with the senior team on occasion.

The decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain of India's T20I team has sparked debate, particularly given the omission of Hardik Pandya from the leadership role. Pandya has previously led India in T20Is in Rohit Sharma's absence and was his deputy during the successful T20 World Cup campaign.India's chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, explained that the decision to name Suryakumar captain was based on fitness considerations. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who recently concluded his tenure, has endorsed the decision, citing Suryakumar's exceptional skills and leadership qualities.Mhambrey emphasized that Suryakumar's consistent performance and ability to win games for India make him an ideal choice for captaincy. He also highlighted Suryakumar's strong bond with the team, including the younger players."He's been with the team. I've seen him interact with the young guys. He has that respect from the younger lot. The youngsters need to interact with him, he's good at it. So, has a good bond with everyone in the team," Mhambrey said.Mhambrey also commented on the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach, expressing confidence in his experience but acknowledging the need for time to achieve optimal results.Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, commencing on July 27. The series will provide an opportunity for him to demonstrate his leadership abilities and further cement his position as a key figure in Indian cricket.

Paras Mhambrey, a former Indian cricketer and bowling coach, recently concluded his 31-month stint with the Indian cricket team. In an exclusive interview, he shared his insights on his tenure, the team's strengths and weaknesses, and the challenges they faced.Mhambrey's association with the team began in 2021, when he was appointed as the bowling coach under head coach Rahul Dravid. He described his experience as "rewarding" and "satisfying," crediting Dravid for creating a positive and supportive environment.Reflecting on the team's performance, Mhambrey highlighted the importance of the 2023 World Cup, which India hosted. He acknowledged the pressure and expectations surrounding the tournament but emphasized the team's determination to overcome them."We knew what the pressures were," Mhambrey said. "We knew what we were about to encounter because when you interact with people, everyone wants to win the World Cup, right? You can't run away from it."To prepare for the World Cup, Mhambrey and the coaching staff analyzed the team's performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they lost in the semifinals. They identified areas for improvement and worked on developing specific strategies for different venues."We learned our lessons from 2022, which culminated with the T20 World Cup," Mhambrey explained. "We sat down and said what do we need to do differently."Mhambrey also praised the individual contributions of several players, including R. Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh. He highlighted Ashwin's exceptional skills and his ability to reinvent himself as a white-ball bowler."I find Ash very unique," Mhambrey said. "Very few people who are at that stage of their career — someone with more than 500 Test wickets — who still come with the intensity of a rookie."Mhambrey also acknowledged the challenges faced by some bowlers, such as Umran Malik, who he believes needs more guidance and a structured state team environment.Overall, Mhambrey's tenure as bowling coach was marked by a focus on improvement, adaptability, and a strong team spirit. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Indian cricket team and wished them continued success in the future.

Paras Mhambrey, India's outgoing bowling coach, has played a pivotal role in the team's recent success, including their triumph at the T20 World Cup. Mhambrey, who has worked closely with Rahul Dravid since 2015, outlines the key principles that have guided their approach.Process-First Policy:Mhambrey emphasizes the importance of prioritizing process over results, especially with developmental teams. By ensuring that every player receives ample game time, they foster a sense of security and minimize the pressure on young players. This approach has resulted in a thriving 'A' and U-19 program, which has produced a steady stream of talented players for the senior team.Data Assimilation:Mhambrey highlights the crucial role of data in their planning. By collecting and analyzing data across all aspects of the game, they have been able to formalize programs and streamline the structure. This data-driven approach has enabled them to tailor training and workload management to individual players' needs.Limiting U-19 World Cup Appearances:Mhambrey explains the decision to limit players to a single U-19 World Cup. This policy ensures that players have sufficient time to develop and transition to the 'A' and emerging programs. By bridging the gap between youth and senior teams, they have created a seamless pathway for players to progress through the ranks.Building Relationships:Mhambrey stresses the importance of building strong relationships with senior players. By engaging in open and honest conversations, they have fostered a culture of trust and respect. This has allowed them to have candid discussions about team vision and individual roles, even with experienced players like Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.Investing in Youth:Mhambrey acknowledges the need to invest in young players to create a sustainable bowling pool. By integrating them into the senior team alongside experienced bowlers, they have ensured that the younger generation is not overwhelmed by the responsibilities of leading the attack. This strategy has paid dividends, as evidenced by the emergence of Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan.Incentivizing Red-Ball Cricket:Mhambrey recognizes the challenge of encouraging young players to prioritize red-ball cricket in the era of T20 leagues. By emphasizing the historical significance and prestige of Test cricket, they aim to instill a sense of pride and aspiration in the younger generation. They also highlight the value of Test cricket in enhancing a player's overall skills and reputation.Home Advantage in Test Cricket:Mhambrey discusses India's home advantage in Test cricket, emphasizing the importance of understanding their strengths and resources. While acknowledging the effectiveness of spinning tracks, he cautions against excessive reliance on rank turners, which can level the playing field for touring teams.Pace-Bowling Allrounders:Mhambrey identifies the need to develop genuine pace-bowling allrounders. By identifying potential candidates from U-19 and domestic cricket, they aim to provide them with the support and opportunities to hone their skills. They recognize the challenges posed by the Impact Player rule in the IPL but remain committed to nurturing allrounders.

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling prowess has left former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey in awe, acknowledging that the pacer's talent transcends the need for guidance. Widely regarded as the world's most complete bowler across all formats, Bumrah's recent 15-wicket haul in India's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign earned him the 'Player of the Tournament' accolade.Mhambrey candidly admits that while he would relish the opportunity to be known as Bumrah's coach, the reality is that the bowler is a "once-in-a-generation" talent. "What better than Bumrah bowling and I taking the credit? But I don't. He is a once-in-a-generation bowler," Mhambrey said in an interview with Vimal Kumar on the latter's YouTube channel.Bumrah's unwavering determination and meticulous attention to detail are key to his success. "He remembers when a batter hit him for a boundary two years ago. He is very competitive and constantly wants to improve. We have to be very smart in handling and preserving him," Mhambrey emphasized.During his tenure as bowling coach from November 2021 to the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Mhambrey witnessed the rise of other talented bowlers, including Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh. However, Bumrah's brilliance remains unmatched."When I talk to him, I realize that he has a very clear mindset and knows what he is going to do. He understands when a batter is uncomfortable facing him. He then tries to exploit the situation. He will pick up small nuances to guess what the batter is trying to do," Mhambrey explained.Bumrah's dominance extends across all formats, making him the undisputed No. 1 bowler in the world. His phenomenal performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he claimed 15 wickets at an astonishing economy of 4.17, showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.Whether against Pakistan in the group stage, Australia in the Super 8, or South Africa in the final, Bumrah's four overs consistently made a decisive impact. His exceptional skill and unwavering determination have established him as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

As Gautam Gambhir takes the reins as India's new head coach, the future of veteran players in the team's T20 setup is under scrutiny. Among those facing uncertainty is Mohammed Shami, who has been a mainstay in all three formats but has seen his T20I appearances dwindle.India's outgoing bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has urged Gambhir and his yet-to-be-finalized coaching staff to address Shami's future promptly. "The staff should talk to Shami and find out what he wants to do," Mhambrey said. "He's no longer young, so where does he fit in and how many more years does he look to play? How do we use him smartly?"Shami's recent injury struggles have raised concerns about his longevity. Despite being India's top bowler in the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has not played for the team since the final against Australia. Mhambrey believes that Shami's fitness and aspirations should be prioritized."If Tests are the focus now, then make sure he is in the best shape for the series in Australia," Mhambrey said. "However, what Shami wants and what his body says is paramount."Mhambrey emphasized the need for individualized fitness plans for players of different ages and abilities. "You can't compare a Shami with some youngster who has just come in," he said. "You have to understand what the value of Shami is. Do you need Shami to do the Yo-Yo or bowl those many balls in a Test and win India the game?"Shami remains a formidable pacer, and his experience could prove invaluable in India's pursuit of the Champions Trophy and Test Championship. Gambhir and his coaching staff will need to carefully assess Shami's fitness, aspirations, and role in the team's future plans.