Sanath Kumar

Guwahati, May 6: Assam Ranji coach and former Karnataka medium pacer Sanath Kumar will soon head for the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to work with the “future” of India cricket.

“I am eagerly looking forward to the NCA assignment from August. It will be an exciting, as I will be working on the fielding aspects of the under-19 and fringe India players who are the future of Indian cricket. It could not have come at a more opportune time for me. My contract with the Assam Cricket Association ended in April,” Kumar, who is currently between jobs, told The Telegraph.

The ensuing assignment assumes significance because Kumar will be working with new NCA director and World Cup-winning coach Dave Whatmore.

It will also boost his CV while applying for a new job or if the ACA decides to extend his tenure, if at all.

Kumar was among the 25 level-three coaches who attended a one-week camp under Whatmore in Bangalore last month.

“The coaches were also graded. I think I must have done well to have been called for the crucial camp,” Kumar said.

Though the ACA is yet to decide on renewing Kumar’s contract, sources said a decision would be taken in the next governing body meeting.

“As things stand today it seems unlikely because Kumar had himself said 2007-2008 would be his last season. But this new assignment could swing things in his favour provided he evinces interest. But the situation is really fluid,” he said.

Kumar, who has enjoyed the most extended run as an outstation coach, said he was undecided about the future but was open to an offer.

He did not elaborate but said he had enjoyed being part of the ACA and the state Ranji team.

“I am fairly satisfied. We reached the semi-finals in 2006, could not qualify by one run in 2007 despite having seven new players in the team because of the exodus to the Indian Cricket League,” he said.

The former Karnataka bowler is also not complaining about the “break” as it has given him the time to update his knowledge of the game and to time with his family before he leaves for the NCA. He can also look ahead to a fresh job with a state team.

“The break has given me a lot of free time to surf the Net and read about the recent trends in coaching, which needs a lot of creativity. As a professional, I am expected to have solutions that will help the teams and the boys to excel. Then there are the IPL matches in the evening. Besides spending time on the Internet, I will also be able to spend quality time with my family, which is usually not the case when I am on an assignment,” he said.

Last season, Kumar shifted his family to Guwahati so that he could give more time to team and family. He joined as coach in 2005.