Venkatapathy Raju quits as Orissa coach

Cuttack, Dec 12 (IANS) Former Test left-arm spinner and national selector Venkatapathy Raju has quit as coach of the Orissa Ranji Trophy team.

Raju, former Hyderabad captain and now vice-president of the state association, had quit as chairman of his state selection committee to take over as coach of the Orissa team.

Raju has apparently informed Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) president Ranjib Biswal his decision to quit after Orissa's match against Delhi last week, citing personal reasons.

However, a source in the OCA said Raju put in his papers protesting too much interference in the selection of the team.

Orissa have two more games left in the elite group.

Raju, who went home after the Delhi game, was to rejoin the team Thursday.