Nawazuddin Sididqui to play cricket coach in Kabir Khan's next?

Actor Ranveer Singh is currently shooting for director Rohit Shetty’s Simmba. Once this is wrapped up, the actor will begin working on filmmaker Kabir Khan’s next, based on Indian cricket team’s triumph at the 1983 World Cup in England.

Naturally, a sports film will boast of a big cast. According to a few reports, Khan has approached actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play the cricket coach in the film.

Although no announcements have been made yet, reports suggest the two are in the talks. In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, a tabloid, Khan refused to confirm or deny the story. “It’s too early to comment so I won’t confirm or deny anything,” he said.

Siddiqui had last worked with Khan in the 2015 blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, where the actor played the role of a Pakistani news reporter named Chand Nawab.  

The Indian cricket team only started hiring coaches from the 1990-1991 season, with former cricket legend, Bishan Singh Bedi, becoming the first coach. Before that, the Indian team had the services of a manager, who was there more for logistical support. In the 1983 World Cup, PR Man Singh, a Hyderabad cricket official, was the manager of the Indian team.

Perhaps, Khan is considering Siddiqui for the role of Kapil Dev's coach or the coach of one of the key players. The role of Kapil Dev will be essayed by Ranveer Singh. Dev was coached by the late Desh Prem Azad, who passed away in 2013. Azad had coached the cricketer in the early 1970s.

The film, to be shot later this year, is scheduled to be released in August 2019.