Former India star in line to become coach of Tamil Nadu, Rahul Tripathi returns to Maharashtra

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As the new domestic season approaches, several state teams are busy looking for coaches. Former India pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji is reportedly all set to become the new coach of Tamil Nadu. Balaji served as Tamil Nadu's bowling coach last season.

Cricbuzz has reported that Lakshmipathy Balaji will replace Sulakshan Kulkarni, who ended his two-year contract with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) due to differences with the captain and the association after one season. Kulkarni has been appointed as the coach of the Maharashtra team.

Also, Dinesh Mongia has been replaced as the coach of Odisha by Surendra Bhave - a former national selector and Maharashtra player. Tripura, another East Zone team, is also searching for a coach.

A Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) official has confirmed to Cricbuzz that negotiations are ongoing with Wasim Jaffer. Speculations were rife that Jaffer - the former India opener and the highest-ever run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy history - was being considered for the head coach position of the Punjab Kings in IPL. However, the 46-year-old is in contention to become the coach of the Punjab state team.

Meanwhile, Rahul Tripathi, who played for Goa last season, has returned to his home state of Maharashtra. The Maharashtra team has also brought in Rajneesh Gurbani, a professional player from Vidarbha, for the upcoming season of Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 and Irani Cup 2024. The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as the captain for all three formats this season.