Amol Muzumdar could provide the necessary insight the Proteas batsmen need to survive in Indian conditions, writes Khalid Mohidin.

Cricket South Africa made an interesting appointment on Monday and left many asking the question, “who is Amol Muzumdar?” 

A quick google search will tell you – 171 first-class matches, an average of 48.13, 60 half-centuries and 30 centuries – Muzumdar has a wealth of knowledge in Indian conditions.

I called a friend of mine – an Indian Journalist who has witnessed Muzumdar come onto and retire from the domestic scene.

The one main takeaway from our conversation was the type of batsman Muzumdar was in his day – a grinder and fighter who worked hard for every run and someone who was particularly comfortable against the spinners.

That dogged approach is proven in his strike rate of 72.7 and if he can transfer his approach as a player to the Proteas batters, it will give them the feisty edge they’ve lacked in subcontinent conditions in recent times.

In theory, Muzumdar’s appointment seems perfect but his coaching resume stretches only as far as one year with the Rajhastan Royals in 2018. The success of his appointment can only be judged on whether he successfully transfers his knowledge to the Proteas batters.

If Corrie van Zyl is going to appoint batting coaches according to the conditions the side is playing in, the worry is that there will be inconsistent messages sent. Every coach will be different, and this could confuse the young Test side who are still developing their game at international level.

If he is on trial and is appointed as the permanent coach after the India series, the concern would be his lack of experience outside of India.

The appointment makes sense for the India tour, but after the series, regardless of the result, a permanent batting coach who understands a variety of conditions on the international stage must be appointed.

READ: CSA APPOINTS AMOL MUZUMDAR AS PROTEAS INTERIM TEST BATTING COACH

Photo: Rajhastan Royals/Twitter