Bengaluru, Nov. 2: Former India batsman Sandeep Patil donned another hat on Monday, as he took charge of the National Cricket Academy in the city.

The 53-year-old’s cricketing career has come full circle as he replaces Dav Whatmore as the director of cricket operations at the Academy. Australian Whatmore resigned from the job after accepting an offer to coach the Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders.

Though the appointment was made two weeks ago, Whatmore had to complete his two-year stint, which ended on Sunday before handing over the reins to Patil.

Under Whatmore, the NCA made significant progress, improving its practice facilities and projecting itself as a learning school for fringe players.

After strengthening the coaching staff, the country’s own coaching manual was also brought out earlier this year. Now, the onus is on Patil to continue the good work. Patil, part of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad has vast and varied coaching experience behind him.

He first served as India ‘A’ coach, then took over the Indian team for a brief period before leading Kenya to the semifinals of the 2003 World Cup. He also coached Oman.