Former India pacer Abey Kuruvilla has thrown his hat in the ring to become the next Mumbai senior team’s coach after the position was left vacant with Sameer Dighe informing the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) about his decision to not continue. It is learnt that Kuruvilla was approached by MCA officials and he responded positively for the top job. This will be Kuruvilla’s first stint as Mumbai’s coach after serving as a chief selector in 2012 and a Managing Committee member thereafter. Kuruvilla was also the junior selection committee chief when India won the U-19 World Cup in 2012.

Kuruvilla, who quit playing in 2000, has the experience of coaching the Kerala Ranji Trophy team in 2002. It was during this stint that they qualified to the Elite division. In 2007, the Kerala-born speedster was appointed as coach of the UAE team. Currently, Kuruvilla is a part of the Mumbai Indians’ backroom staff.