Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener has been appointed to Delhi’s coaching staff for the Ranji Trophy – India’s premier first-class competition.

While former Delhi skipper Mithun Manhas will be the chief coach, Klusener’s appointment is certainly the most high profile among the support staff across domestic teams.

‘Lance will be cricket consultant of the Ranji Trophy team and for one-day tournaments Vijay Hazare Trophy and Deodhar Trophy, starting from 19 September, and the domestic T20 tournament scheduled in February 2019,’ Delhi and District Cricket Association president Rajat Sharma told PTI.

‘His role will require his services alongside the main coach and all the other coaches in the team.’

Klusener was fired as Zimbabwe’s coach earlier this year, after failing to qualify for the 2019 World Cup. Former South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini also worked with Zimbabwe, initially as bowling coach and later as head coach.

‘I certainly think with Lance and Makhaya, they almost feel as if they are Zimbabweans because of the similar cultures. They have both fitted in really well,’ former Zimbabwe head coach Heath Streak said in late December 2017.

The hard-hitting left-hander and steely right-arm seamer played 49 Tests and 171 ODIs for the Proteas between 1996 and 2004.