Jammu: Deepak Mangaraj, a familiar name in Odisha’s cricket fraternity after having played for the state from 2003 to 2006, turned coach post retirement.
His latest assignment is that of an assistant bowling coach with Konark Suryas Odisha (KSO) team in the ongoing Legends League Cricket (LLC). And Mangaraj is quite excited to be involved with KSO in their inaugural season in LLC.
“I have been a professional coach for last five years. I was bowling coach of the Odisha Ranji Trophy team and also the state’s U-23 team. This year I got an opportunity to be the coach of a team in the Legends League Cricket. This opportunity will help me learn something more and help me move ahead in my coaching career,” he said.
Interestingly, coach Mangaraj rubbed shoulders with the team’s captain Irfan Pathan during their younger years.
“I spent time with some of the players in the team at the NCA. I had been with the MRF Pace Foundation along with Irfan. This is a fabulous opportunity for me to be part of the team and be the coach of the players with whom I used to play once,” said the 42-year-old Mangaraj.
The former medium-pacer is excited to see Odisha have a cricket team of their own.
“For the first time, a team in a national cricket league has been named after Odisha. This will take the game ahead in the state and also help in encouraging players who are willing to make a career in this sport. This will not just develop sport in the state but will also create a huge fanbase for cricket in Odisha,” remarked Mangaraj, thanking the Assotech group owner for this initiative.
The former Odisha cricketer said that the opportunity some young Odisha players got in the nets sessions will help them gain confidence.
“Some of the young players were called by the team management to work as nets bowlers during the practice session with the players. They got the opportunity to interact and improve their skills while practising with players like Yusuf Pathan and Ambati Rayudu. Natraj Behera has also got an opportunity to be a part of the team as a player,” Mangaraj pointed out.
Does he wish that he could play in this league for retired cricketers?
“I’m still playing the club tournaments. Yes, there is always a wish to play more cricket. I’m even following a regular routine to keep myself fit. Whether it’s training or playing, I somehow find time to keep myself involved in cricket throughout the day. But at the end of the day, I’m now a coach. I give less time for my practice and look more after the players.”
He believes there is no end to learning.
“Not just cricket, we learn something new every day in every field. I’m also learning here every day. The approach of players, on and off the field, is something that I’m looking at,” he said.