Amay Khurasiya steps down as Kerala coach, set to take charge of Chhattisgarh

KOCHI: Amay Khurasiya, former India international, who guided Kerala to their maiden Ranji Trophy final, has stepped down as head coach after the completion of his two-year tenure. He will now take over as the head coach of the Chhattisgarh team in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, opting for what he describes as a "fresh challenge."

"I decided to shift my base to Chhattisgarh for the upcoming Ranji season," Khurasiya told TOI. "It is a fresh challenge that excites me. I had come to Thiruvananthapuram earlier this week and officially tendered my resignation."

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Khurasiya, 53, leaves Kerala after a stint in which they reached the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in the 2024-25 season. Reflecting on this time with the squad, he said: "I had a great time over the past two years in Kerala. They're a humble bunch. Going forward, they need a good mentor more than a good coach," he said. "I will miss Kerala, the team bonding and the warm atmosphere."

His contract with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) expired at the end of this season, KCA secretary Vinod Kumar said, while clarifying that his departure was not performance-related.

"Typically KCA appoints a coach for a two-year tenure. Amay's exit had nothing to do with how Kerala performed last season,” Vinod asserted.

“It was unfortunate that a spate of injuries halted our campaign. We will issue an Expression of Interest and invite applications for a new coach in the coming days," he explained.

Vinod credited Khurasiya with instilling an excellent work ethic within the squad. "Amay brought in a strong sense of professionalism and work ethic to this team. His contribution in shaping Kerala cricket over the past two years has been significant," he elaborated.

Khurasiya was effusive in his praise of some of the emerging players from the state.

"MD Nidheesh was the find of the season for Kerala last year. Eden Apple Tom is another talented pacer who can be nurtured further," he noted.

In his new role, Khurasiya will look to nurture the cricketing backwater's emerging talent and bolster its cricketing structure.

At Chhattisgarh, Khurasiya has his task cut out. The team is yet to qualify for the Ranji Trophy knockouts, and rebuilding will be central to his role. "That's exactly what I am looking forward to," he added.