Team India’s quest for a new fitness trainer is finally over. Ramji Srinivasan, the Chennai-based trainer is expected to take on the responsibility from the Sri Lanka tri-series and his appointment is expected to run for two years. A formal announcement from the BCCI in this regard is expected to come soon.

The Indian team has been without a trainer since February 2008, when Gregory King requested the board to relieve him of his responsibilities. Paddy Upton, the team’s mental conditioning coach, doubled up as the trainer for last season as the BCCI mulled over several applicants.

According to sources, Ramji has been told of his appointment and has been asked to prepare individualised fitness programmes for every member of the Indian team for the coming season. The trainer was also present on Monday afternoon to oversee the fitness assessment of players at the Ferozeshah Kotla. Ramji, however, refused to say anything on the topic when contacted, saying that he was yet to receive any communication from the board to this effect but would be delighted to serve the team if given an opportunity.

BCCI Chief Administrative Officer, Prof Ratnakar Shetty also refused to officially confirm his appointment but admitted that he was among the front-runners for the job. “Ramji is definitely one of the best trainers we have in the country, and his name will be discussed as one of the contenders. The BCCI will make an announcement soon,” Shetty told The Indian Express.

Sources also added that Ramji’s candidature received tremendous support from the players thanks to their association with him during his time with the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, where he individually oversaw Sachin Tendulkar’s rehabilitation and also that of a host of other fast bowlers such as Zaheer Khan and L Balaji. With a hectic international season ahead, Ramji’s expertise with handling fast bowlers is seen as an added advantage.

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