Sanjay Bangar Declines Bangladesh Test Batting Consultant Offer

Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar boasts of a rich coaching experience despite not being one of India’s star players during his era. Not only he has served as the coach of the Indian national team but also did his time in the Indian Premier League. The retired cricketer, who was supposed to take up the role of Test batting consultant with Bangladesh cricket, has reportedly refused to join the camp.

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The 47-year old was with the Indian team from 2014 to 2019 as their batting consultant with Vikram Rathour replacing him. The West Indies tour held after India’s unsuccessful 2019 World Cup campaign in England was his final assignment. Bangar’s contract was the only one which wasn’t renewed post the World Cup. Bangar played 12 Tests and 15 ODIs for the men in blue from 2001 to 2004.

Bangar stated that the Bangladesh Cricket Board offered him the position eight weeks ago. However, he associated himself with Star which enabled him to balance out his professional and personal endeavours. Nevertheless, he admitted he was looking forward to working with them in the future.

“They offered me the position eight weeks ago. But in the interim, I finalised my contract with Star which gave me the opportunity to balance out my personal and professional commitments. However, I look forward to working with BCB in the future.” Sanjay Bangar disclosed to the PTI.

BCB chief executive explains his side of the story:

But earlier BCB’s chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that they are in talks with the former Indian cricketer; however, nothing is finalized yet. Neil Mckenzie, who is limited-overs specialist is acting as their mentor for the longest format as well for the time being. Chowdhury mentioned that he they are looking up to him to do it full-time.

“We have spoken with Bangar (for Test batting consultant) but nothing is finalised yet. We are negotiating with a few others as well. McKenzie is looking after the red-ball cricket despite being a white ball consultant and till we get a batting consultant for Test cricket we are expecting him to do the job (in red ball).” Chowdhury said in this regard to the reporters in Dhaka.

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