Jamshedpur, July 11: The appointment of Rajinder Singh Hans as the state Ranji coach has run into a controversy.

The decision of Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) to overlook local resources in the appointment of the Ranji coach has surprised Bharat Arun, faculty in-charge of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), who is in Jamshedpur to conduct the Level-1 coaching course. He wondered why the JSCA rushed to appoint an outstation candidate as the Ranji coach.

Said Arun, who played two Tests versus Sri Lanka in 1986 as a medium pacer: “It makes sense to utilise resources at home while training Jharkhand’s senior squad.”

Significantly, two NCA-accredited Level III coaches in Jharkhand have been overlooked by the JSCA. The two — V. Venkat Ram and K.V.P. Rao — are busy with NCA-specific coaching assignments in other states.

Arun added both Rao and Ram were good coaches and the JSCA should have availed their services.

“Rao shows keenness to learn the nuances of coaching,” he said, adding that Ram was also a knowledgeable coach. Arun, however, hastened to add that the appointment of a coach is JSCA’s internal matter.

Hans as the Ranji coach for the 2007-08 season, has already taken charge. Sources added that Hans’ credentials as coach “bowled over” the state cricket association mandarins.

“Hans was instrumental in guiding Uttar Pradesh to clinch the Ranji title two seasons ago. He will help our boys in several ways,” a JSCA functionary said.

Ram, who was till last season the Ranji coach, ran out of favour.

“Besides not performing well, Ram failed to imbibe togetherness among the boys. His relationship with selectors also ran into rough weather,” officials said.

Rao, a former Bihar skipper who stood joint third in the recently concluded NCA Level III exam, had always been kept on tenterhooks by the JSCA for reasons unknown.

Some former cricketers have also agreed with Arun. “Our two Level III coaches are being overlooked. Something must have seriously gone wrong. Whatever may be the issue, it should be resolved for the sake of cricket in Jharkhand,” said a former cricketer on the condition of anonymity.