Former Australian cricketer and renowned coach Dav Whatmore has linked up with Baroda for the forthcoming Indian domestic season in a wholesome role as the chief of the support staff.
Whatmore was due to join Baroda last year as the director of cricket but could not travel to India due to visa issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially having signed a two-year deal with the Indian state team, Whatmore has now come on board for the entire 2021-22 season.
Speaking about his role with ESPNcricinfo, the 67-year-old had explained that he will mainly be with the senior Baroda side for the top rung of Indian domestic events and will also “lay down a structure at the Under-19 and Under-23 levels to create a feeder system, along with the local coaches.”
Shishir Hattangadi, the Baroda Cricket Association CEO, confirmed that Whatmore has already reached India and has begun “meetings with the coaching staff”, is looking at the “practice facilities” and jotting down plans for the long season ahead.
Interestingly, when Whatmore could not join Baroda last year, he had a stint as Nepal’s head coach after receiving an NOC from BCA, who let him work for another team after reaching an agreement of understanding with the man.
Whatmore took charge of the Nepal men’s international side in early 2021. The main aim was to navigate through the strenuous qualification and secure a place at the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup in Australia. But he resigned from his position with the Asian associate side earlier this month and that allowed him to “ink up with us again,” Hattangadi told ESPNcricinfo.
The experienced coach is now ready to fulfil his commitment with Baroda in India this winter. Whatmore has been part of the coaching staff for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Zimbabwe previously.
