Former Mumbai Ranji team analyst roped in by NZ for ODI World Cup

Saurabh Walkar at Lord’s in London recently

Mumbai Ranji Trophy-winning team's performance analyst Saurabh Walkar, 38, will be assisting New Zealand (NZ) during the October-November 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.

The Kiwis will start their campaign against defending champions England in Ahmedabad on October 5.

Walkar is currently working with the Jos Buttler-led Manchester Originals in The Hundred league in UK.

Though his new assignment will start with the NZ v England T20I game at Chester-le-Street on August 30, his main task will be to prepare the Kiwis for challenges during the World Cup.

"Indian pitches will play an important role, so I will be focusing on that aspect. These wickets will play a major role while formulating strategies. It's a big opportunity for me to be a part of the NZ team," Walkar told mid-day from Cardiff on Wednesday.

Also Read: ODI World Cup: Cheapest India vs Sri Lanka ticket at Wankhede could cost Rs 1,500

Walkar gave up studying for his engineering degree in Electronics and Telecommunications in 2006 and did a one-year course in sports biomechanics in Chennai. He then joined the Mumbai team as an Intern to assist performance analyst Venkatesh Gurumurthy in 2007. He worked with the Mumbai team for eight years and in different leagues including IPL with Rajasthan Royals and with the Afghanistan team during 2021 T20 World Cup played in UAE. Mumbai last won the Ranji Trophy in 2015-16.

The Kiwis will be facing India at Dharamsala on October 22, which will be a big challenge for Walkar as well.

"I have started my preparation on all teams, especially India. They [NZ] are expecting special inputs about Indian players from me. I had worked with Rohit [Sharma], Surya [Yadav], Shardul [Thakur] and other players during my stint with the Mumbai senior team. I will also prepare myself for the biggest tournament and assist NZ head coach Gary Stead," Walkar remarked.

He credited Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Chandrakant Pandit and current Mumbai head coach Omkar Salvi for his progress. He said: "I have worked with all the players including Sachin Tendulkar and different coaches in different teams. But the disciplined approach which I learnt from Chandu sir and Omkar Salvi on specific plans and bowling strategy for particular batsmen are helping me immensely."