Sunil Joshi looking forward to stint as Oman spin coach

                                       

The Indian connection in the Oman cricket team runs deep with at least four Indian-origin players among the core members. Starting Saturday (December 19), former India and Karnataka spinner Sunil Joshi will join them.

With the ICC World T20 in India early next year set to be the first major ICC tournament outing for Oman, the team has roped in Joshi's services as spin coach. The team travels to India this weekend to start preparations for the tournament which runs from March 9 - April 3.

Speaking to TOI on the new assignment, the former left-arm orthodox tweaker said, "It is a great opportunity for me to work with a national team, especially on a big stage like the World Cup. India hosting the event makes it all the more special. I have always wanted to specialize as a spin coach, I guess this is the right opportunity because I get to work with about nine spinners, of whom 5-6 are regulars. I'm entering the unknown because I haven't met the players yet, but I've done my homework and will surely give my all."

While the 45-year-old has helped many spinners like England's Monty Panesar and South African Simon Harmer, his first official coaching assignment was in 2011-12 when he took over the reins of the Hyderabad Ranji team and guided them from the Plate division to the quarterfinals in his first season. After a three-year stint, he coached Jammu and Kashmir in the premier domestic tourney last year.

With former Sri Lanka captain Duleep Mendis as head coach, Joshi is looking forward to working with the stalwart. "Having Mendis as head coach helps because he comes from the land of spin (Sri Lanka). His knowledge will go a long way in shaping the team."

The team which was scheduled to assemble in Chennai, will come together in Rajkot on Saturday for a training camp. Joshi, whose contract runs until the World T20, will be with the team during the camp in India and travel to Oman next month for another camp. "They wanted to have an exposure tour before the event. They are coming down to understand the conditions. Next month I will travel to Oman for the camp," added Joshi, a seasoned campaigner who has 615 first-class wickets to his credit, gathering during over a 19-year domestic career.

Apart from bowling, Joshi is also looking forward to helping the wicketkeeper and batmen on tackling spin. "In March most of the venues will be hot and hence the wickets will offer ample turn, I will try and help them understand how to keep wickets on turning tracks and how to bat against spin. Bowling and batting everyone can do, how to react to situations and pitches is what I will try to impart," pointed out Joshi.