Former England and Rajasthan batsman Vikram Solanki has been elevated as the Head Coach of the Surrey County Cricket Club. The 44-year-old has been a coach at the County club since his retirement from the game in 2016.
Solanki will take up his new position with immediate effect and work with the team as soon as professional players return to group training.
Having represented Rajasthan at junior level, Solanki had appeared in 51 One Day Internationals and three T20Is for England and represented Worcestershire in the domestic English cricket.
During his time at Surrey, Solanki has worked in coaching roles under both Graham Ford and Michael Di Venuto. He has also expanded his experience around the world game, working as an Assistant Coach to Gary Kirsten and Ashish Nehra for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL; assisting Tom Moody in the Dubai based T10 competition and coaching on a recent England Lions spin camp in Mumbai, read a statement by the County club.
Speaking this week, Solanki said: “I’d like to begin by acknowledging the outstanding contribution of Michael Di Venuto during his time at the Club. I am now really excited to be taking over as Head Coach. We have a very talented group of players at Surrey CCC and will be looking to compete in all formats – both in any competitions that are able to be staged this summer and in the future.
“Our squad contains a great mixture of established talent and young up and coming players looking for opportunities. I’m looking forward to working with all Surrey players to make sure the Club has the best possible chance of delivering more silverware in the years to come.”
Alec Stewart, Surrey County Cricket Club Director of Cricket, added: “After recently having to make a tough decision on Michael Di Venuto, I’m very fortunate to have been able to appoint someone who knows our setup and players inside out – but has also broadened his coaching experience around the world in recent years.
“I have total confidence and faith that Vikram will step up to this new role and its associated challenges and responsibilities.”
Surrey CCC Chairman Richard Thompson concluded: “Vikram has already been part of the Surrey family for a long time and it’s fantastic to now welcome him as our Head Coach. On behalf of everyone at Surrey CCC, we look forward to him taking up the role and playing an even bigger part within the Club.”