Photo Credit: Auckland Cricket
Former Auckland ACES leg-spinner Tarun Nethula has been appointed as the HEARTS’ new Performance and Talent Coach.
The 40-year-old, who represented the BLACKCAPS in five ODIs and played domestic cricket between 2008 and 2019, will also serve as a spin bowling specialist coach for the wider High-Performance setup.
“I’m really excited to be joining the HEARTS setup and am especially thrilled about reconnecting with Rob Nicol, who has been doing an excellent job leading the women’s space,” says Nethula.
“The opportunity to support and develop the next cohort of Auckland spinners and work closely with the wider Auckland Cricket High-Performance network only adds to the appeal!”
The central focus of Nethula’s role will be to serve as an Assistant Coach for the HEARTS programme, supporting Head Coach Rob Nicol.
In addition, Nethula will leverage his expertise in spin bowling to collaborate with targeted spin bowlers across Auckland Cricket’s Performance and Talent initiatives, encompassing both male and female participants.
“Tarun is obviously no stranger to the New Zealand and Auckland cricket landscapes, having excelled as a player in both the black and blue kits,” says Auckland Cricket’s Director of Performance and Talent, Daniel Archer.
“He is currently a participant in the NZC Performance Coach Course and most recently has been progressing his coaching journey as Head Coach of Cornwall Cricket Club’s Premier Men.
“Tarun also gained valuable experience last season as an Assistant Coach of both the U19 NZC Female World Cup in South Africa & NZC Female Development Tour to India. He has been an active coach in the Auckland Talent Programmes and environment for a number of years.”
HEARTS’ head coach, Rob Nicol, is excited to be working with his former teammate again. “We are very fortunate to have Tarun join us as our assistant for our programme,” says Nicol.
“I am confident that he possesses the ability to cultivate significant connections within our group, facilitating the tangible outcomes we all aspire to achieve and are fully capable of attaining. We are particularly excited for him to be working closely with our spin bowlers.”
Commencing on September 11, 2023, Nethula will officially assume his seasonal part-time position, which will extend until the conclusion of the season in March 2024.
