Cricket Wellington is pleased to announce the appointment of Mohit Rao as Performance Coach, working across both the Wellington Firebirds and Wellington Blaze setups.

Rao, who has been with Cricket Wellington since 2020, brings valuable experience from both the Firebirds and Blaze environments, making him an ideal fit for this role. His deep understanding of Wellington’s high-performance systems and his work with players in the pathways system will be instrumental in supporting the development of both squads.

Prior to this appointment, Rao contributed significantly to Wellington’s coaching and performance programmes, supporting the Firebirds and leading the Wellington A Men over the last two seasons. His expertise in player development and technical analysis has been a key asset in shaping emerging talent.

Reflecting on his new role, Rao said: “I’m excited to take on this role and continue contributing to Cricket Wellington’s high-performance environment. Working across both the Firebirds and Blaze setups over the past few years, I’ve seen the quality and potential within our teams. I’m excited to help players and coaches elevate their performances as we push for success in domestic cricket and beyond.”

Cricket Wellington’s GM of Performance, Dave Wildash, praised Rao’s impact: “Mohit has been an integral part of our system for several years, and his experience across both men’s and women’s cricket makes him a perfect fit for this role. His technical knowledge, work ethic, and ability to connect with players will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our high-performance programmes.”

As Performance Coach, Rao will work closely with players and fellow coaches to enhance skill development, preparation, and match strategy for both the Firebirds and Blaze.

With the domestic season approaching, Rao’s appointment reinforces Cricket Wellington’s commitment to fostering a world-class coaching environment, ensuring both teams remain competitive and continue producing players for the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS.

Article added: Thursday 17 July 2025