Surrey appoint Vikram Solanki as new head coach

Former England batsman Solanki has been on the club’s coaching staff since retiring from playing in 2016. He takes the reins with immediate effect, replacing Michael di Venuto

Vikram Solanki has been appointed as Surrey’s new head coach, replacing Michael di Venuto.

Former England batsman Solanki has been on the club’s coaching staff since retiring from playing in 2016. He takes the reins with immediate effect and will begin working with his squad as soon as the go-ahead is given for a return to group training.

It was announced in May that di Venuto’s deal was not going to be renewed beyond the end of this season.

The Australian is currently at home in Tasmania with his family, and with his contract due to expire in March 2021, it was agreed that he would not return to the club should the 2020 campaign belatedly get underway.

He arrived at the club in 2016 and led Surrey to their first County Championship title in 16 years. The decision to release him earlier than planned was made to allow him as much time as possible to pursue other coaching posts.

As well as working under di Venuto, Solanki previously worked with Graham Ford at Surrey, while also expanding his repertoire beyond the English domestic game: he worked as assistant coach to Gary Kirsten with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, while also assisting Tom Moody in the Abu Dhabi T10 and Richard Dawson on an England Lions spin camp in Mumbai over the winter.

Solanki said of his new role: “I’d like to begin by acknowledging the outstanding contribution of Michael Di Venuto during his time at the club. I am now really excited to be taking over as head coach. We have a very talented group of players at Surrey CCC and will be looking to compete in all formats – both in any competitions that are able to be staged this summer and in the future.

“Our squad contains a great mixture of established talent and young up and coming players looking for opportunities. I’m looking forward to working with all Surrey players to make sure the club has the best possible chance of delivering more silverware in the years to come.”

Alec Stewart, the club’s director of cricket, added: “After recently having to make a tough decision on Michael Di Venuto, I’m very fortunate to have been able to appoint someone who knows our setup and players inside out – but has also broadened his coaching experience around the world in recent years.

“I have total confidence and faith that Vikram will step up to this new role and its associated challenges and responsibilities.”

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