India's 2007 World T20 manager confirmed as Zimbabwe coach, RR plan to rope in Shane Warne and more - Cricket News Today, 24th August 2018

Today's major developments in the cricket world surround the coaching careers of three former cricketers. While Shane Warne could return as head coach of Rajasthan Royals, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have reportedly sacked most of their coaching setup.

In the international front, erstwhile opener and Indian team manager Lalchand Rajput has been promoted from interim status to the full-time role as Zimbabwe's head coach. In other news, Michael Holding has come under fire for his comments on Jasprit Bumrah's new-ball skills.

Let us now take a closer look at all the important cricket news from the day.

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Zimbabwe confirm Lalchand Rajput as head coach

Rajput will begin his new term with Zimbabwe's upcoming limited-overs tour of South Africa

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have confirmed the elevation of Lalchand Rajput as the team's full-time head coach. Having served on an interim basis during the last three months, the former Indian opener will begin a new term which is likely to span beyond the 2020 World T20.

Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza, who is part of a training camp being held under Rajput's supervision, affirmed, "I have been very impressed with his work ethic and attention to detail. We have worked on a lot of specifics and put a lot of time into our games. The boys have responded really well to the rigorous training schedule and we are already starting to see a lot of improvement."

Rajput was manager of the Indian team during their victorious campaign in the inaugural edition of the World T20 in 2007. He has also worked as head coach of Afghanistan in the recent past. His first assignment as full-time head coach of Zimbabwe will be the side's upcoming limited-overs tour of South Africa.

Joe Root set to join Jos Buttler in BBL's Sydney Thunder

Buttler and Root will be available for the first half of the 2018/19 Big Bash season

England Test captain Joe Root will join his new vice-captain Jos Buttler in Sydney Thunder's squad for the 2018/19 Big Bash League (BBL) season. This is the 27-year old's first deal with an overseas T20 league.

The 2018/19 BBL edition is slated to begin on 19 December and will run until 17 February. Both Root and Buttler will be available for the first half of the season before returning for national commitments when England begin their tour of West Indies in February.

It is worth noting that Buttler had featured in Sydney Thunder's campaign during the previous BBL season. After being snubbed in the 2018 IPL Auction, the Australian league will provide an opportunity for Root to enhance his T20 credentials.

Michael Holding questions Jasprit Bumrah's new-ball skills

Jasprit Bumrah's vicious spell with the second new-ball broke England's resistance at Trent Bridge

Legendary West Indies pacer Michael Holding has refused to reconsider his opinion on Jasprit Bumrah's new-ball skills. The Caribbean icon pointed to the 24-year old's unorthodox bowling action whilst insisting that he becomes more potent with the older ball.

In an interview with TOI, Holding reiterated, "I would still not have him (Bumrah) as my opening bowler. Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami do a bit more with the brand new ball and they will remain my opening bowlers in Bhuvneshwar Kumar's absence. What I have seen is he can get the ball to straighten from wide of the crease and is more effective with the slightly older ball."

Holding, who is part of Sky Cricket's commentary panel, had earlier expressed his reservations on air regarding Bumrah's ability with the new ball. Contrary to the former fast bowler's comments, he had produced a decisive spell with the second new ball to spark England's second-innings collapse at Trent Bridge.

RCB reportedly sack head coach Daniel Vettori

Daniel Vettori has reportedly taken the fall for RCB's poor showing in the last two seasons

Royal Challengers Bangalore have reportedly sacked head coach Daniel Vettori. In addition of the New Zealand veteran, the franchise have also axed batting development/fielding coach Trent Woodhill and bowling development coach Andrew McDonald in a bid to start afresh in the 2019 IPL season.

Gary Kirsten, who served as mentor as well as batting coach in the 2018 season, is the front-runner to take over the head coach role from Vettori. Although Indian team batting coach Sanjay Bangar's name is also doing the rounds, conflict of interest regulations should prevent him from joining the IPL franchise.

Meanwhile, bowling mentor Ashish Nehra is expected to retain his place in the support staff. After finishing at the bottom of the league table in the 2017 IPL season, the Royal Challengers had ended the 2018 edition at the sixth position.

Rajasthan Royals plan to rope in Shane Warne as head coach

Warne served as mentor in Rajasthan Royals' campaign during the 2018 IPL season

Leg-spin wizard Shane Warne is likely to reunite with Rajasthan Royals in next year's IPL season. According to a report in Bangalore Mirror, the franchise are planning to rope in the 48-year old as the team's head coach.

Warne was team mentor in the 2018 IPL season. However, his prior commitments prevented him from being a constant presence in the team's group stage campaign. Having returned from a two-year suspension, the Royals were eliminated in the play-offs during this year's edition.

During the inaugural IPL season in 2008, Warne captained Rajasthan to the title against all odds. Eager to replicate their lone triumph from ten years ago, the franchise are looking towards the shrewd cricketer's coaching skills.