Saurabh Walkar: Former Mumbai Ranji Trophy-winning team’s performance analyst Saurabh Walkar has been roped in by the New Zealand team for ODI World Cup 2023. While Walkar’s first assignment with Kiwis will begin on August 30 during a T20 series against England, the showpiece event set to be played in India from October 5 will be his main task as he will help prepare Tom Latham & Co deal with spin-friendly pitches in sub-continent conditions.
Currently, Walker is working with Jos Buttler-led Manchester Originals in The Hundred. The Former Mumbai analyst is excited to be part of the New Zealand team and is keen to help them prepare well for the World Cup.
“Indian pitches will play an important role, so I will be focusing on that aspect. These wickets will play a major role while formulating strategies. It’s a big opportunity for me to be a part of the NZ team,” Walkar told mid-day from Cardiff on Wednesday.
“I have started my preparation on all teams, especially India. They [NZ] are expecting special inputs about Indian players from me. I had worked with Rohit [Sharma], Surya [Yadav], Shardul [Thakur], and other players during my stint with the Mumbai senior team. I will also prepare myself for the biggest tournament and assist NZ head coach, Gary Stead,” Walkar remarked.
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Saurabh Walkar: Walkar starts preparation on all teams ahead of World Cup, NZ expecting special inputs on team India
Walkar has a huge amount of experience working as a performance analyst. The 38-year-old has worked with Mumbai for eight years. An engineering graduate, Walkar gave up his studies in 2006 and did a one-year course in sports biomechanics in Chennai. His first job was with Mumbai as an intern to assist performance analyst Venkatesh Gurumurthy in 2007. Apart from Mumbai, Walkar has also worked with Rajasthan Royals and Afghanistan teams during the 2021 World Cup.
Walkar is optimistic about doing well with the New Zealand team and has already begun preparations for all teams.
“I have started my preparation on all teams, especially India. They [NZ] are expecting special inputs about Indian players from me. I had worked with Rohit [Sharma], Surya [Yadav], Shardul [Thakur], and other players during my stint with the Mumbai senior team. I will also prepare myself for the biggest tournament and assist NZ head coach, Gary Stead,” Walkar remarked.
New Zealand will begin their World Cup 2023 campaign against England on October 5 in Ahmedabad. NZ will face India on October 22 in Dharmsala.
New Zealand ODI World Cup 2023 Full schedule
| FIXTURE | DATE | VENUE |
| New Zealand vs England | October 5 | Ahmedabad |
| New Zealand vs Qualifier 1 | October 9 | Hyderabad |
| New Zealand vs Bangladesh | October 14 | Chennai |
| New Zealand vs Afghanistan | October 18 | Chennai |
| New Zealand vs India | October 22 | Dharamsala |
| New Zealand vs Australia | October 28 | Dharamsala |
| New Zealand vs South Africa | November 1 | Pune |
| New Zealand vs Pakistan | November 4 | Bengaluru |
| New Zealand vs Qualifier 2 | November 9 | Bengaluru |
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