The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has appointed former Rajasthan opening batsman Vineet Saxena as the head coach of its senior men's team for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The 45-year-old veteran has signed a one-year contract with the association.
Official confirmation and additional responsibilities
An official communication from the HPCA confirmed the appointment, stating, "...glad to inform you that the Competent Authority of HPCA has approved your appointment." Ahead of taking over his state role, Saxena has also been handed a key responsibility by the BCCI. He has been named the head coach of ‘Team 3’ for the upcoming Emerging Men’s Tournament, scheduled to be held at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru from July 6 to July 24. Former domestic veteran Siddharth Trivedi will assist him as the squad’s assistant coach. The assignment will see him work alongside other prominent coaches like Wasim Jaffer, Ramesh Powar and Debashish Mohanty.
Playing career and coaching background
A stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, Saxena boasts a long playing career, having amassed 7637 runs across 129 First Class matches. Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching, managing the Rajasthan senior men's team for a year. Furthermore, he has been involved in national development pathways, serving in short-term coaching assignments for the BCCI at the CoE, as well as working alongside the India A and India Under-19 squads.
Saxena's reaction to new role
Reacting to his new role with Himachal, Saxena expressed his enthusiasm. "This is a big assignment for me. The team is in a phase of transition, so it’s a good opportunity to work with the players and make the side into a formidable unit. I am grateful for the opportunity from the HPCA," Saxena, who works for India Post, told TOI.
