Looking forward to learn from Helmot: Patriots asst coach Malolan

Chennai

Malolan Rangarajan, the newly appointed assistant coach of St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, can’t wait to learn the ropes of coaching from the more experienced Simon Helmot during the upcoming season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Australian Helmot lifted the CPL trophy in 2015 with Trinbago Knight Riders (earlier known as Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel) and has been tasked with guiding SKN Patriots to its first title. “He has quite a good CV; he has had success with T20 teams in India, the West Indies and Australia. He has won so much and I am excited to work with him,” Malolan, also the lead talent scout at IPL side Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), told DT Next.

“I have been in touch with him since the beginning of March. Helmot called the shots at the recently held CPL draft, with me giving inputs. I am just looking forward to learn more from some of the best in the business,” he added. Chennai-based Malolan expressed gratitude to SKN Patriots for offering him a coaching role immediately after his retirement.

The former Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand spinner was active in first-class cricket for nine years before hanging his boots in 2019. “Things have almost changed overnight for me. It has been only 10 months since I stopped playing. The opportunity came out of the blue and it was too good to think twice,” said the 31-year-old.

“The hard work I put in (during my playing days) maybe paying off in different ways. I am thankful to the franchise for giving me this tremendous opportunity.” Having been named as sidekick to head coach Helmot, Malolan wants to repay the faith shown in him by taking Rayad Emrit-led SKN Patriots all the way, something which the team hasn’t managed thus far.

“We have come in with an objective to win the CPL trophy. We possess an exciting mix of players. I feel we have some of the best available West Indians in our squad. And, that gives us a wonderful core. As far as foreigners are concerned, we went for experienced guys like Chris Lynn, Sohail Tanvir and Ish Sodhi,” he said.

The eighth edition of CPL is set to take place in August and September, but the detailed schedule of the six-team competition is yet to be announced.

Asked if there is clarity on when and where the tournament will be hosted, Malolan responded, “Because of the coronavirus pandemic, we don’t have any information right now. The organiser is waiting for approval from governments in the Caribbean. Once it gets the nod and an announcement is made, I will have to find a way to move out of India.”