The net was thrown wide and deep in a frantic search for a famous name to coach Delhi. And the search ended with former India opener Chetan Chauhan. This will be his maiden venture as Delhi coach, though he had been a national selector before.

The former Test batsman and vice-president of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) will take over from Madan Lal as new coach for the next season. He would assisted in his job by former Delhi wicket-keeper Rajeev Vinayak and a fresh selection committee.

Former India speedster Atul Wassan was named as the chairman of selectors with former Indian off-spinner Nikhil Chopra, Vinay Lamba and Rajkumar Sharma forming the senior selection committe.

The names were proposed on Sunday afternoon by the sports committee and ratified unanimously by the five-member special body, headed by president Arun Jaitely himself, later in the day.

“It’s a great responsibility,” Chauhan told The Indian Express. “We have got some great players and some good talent, the idea is to bring out the best out of the lot to justify their potential. My main aim would be to keep the flock together and not allow the team to be affected by club politics.”

Chauhan’s remuneration package has not been specified because he’s an office-bearer and a special approval is needed to effect that. A decision on this would be taken soon at the executive committee meeting.

Atul Wassan, reacting to the decision with joy, sounded serious about his job. “I don’t know whether to rejoice or sink in to the realisation of what this means,” he said. “Personally, I was pained at the way selections were made and what transpired in the last couple of seasons. It always left a bitter taste in the mouth and why I wanted to come in was to try and make an effort to improve Delhi cricket.

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