Powar replaces Raman as women’s team coach
Former spinner Ramesh Powar on Thursday replaced WV Raman as the India women’s cricket team’s head coach, regaining the position more than two years after he was sacked owing to a bitter fallout with ODI captain Mithali Raj.
The 42-year-old was recommended by the Madan Lal-led Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which interviewed eight candidates, including Raman. “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announces the appointment of Mr Ramesh Powar as the Head Coach of Team India (Senior Women). The BCCI had advertised for the post and received over 35 applications,” a BCCI media statement read.
Former India wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra and four female candidates, including former chief selector Hemlata Kala, were the others in the fray. “Looking forward to take India women’s cricket ahead. Thanks a lot CAC & BCCI for this opportunity,” Powar tweeted after his appointment.
The CAC chose Powar for his clear vision for the team, said Lal. “He has been coaching for a while. He has a clear cut plan, what he wants to do with the team to take it to the next level. He also has full clarity on all aspects of the game. Now, he needs to deliver,” Lal told PTI.
It remains to be seen how Powar works alongside Mithali, who had accused him of bias after the Harmanpreet Kaur-led T20 team dropped the veteran batter for the all-important World Cup semi-final against England. After being removed from his position in the women’s team, Powar proved himself as a coach.
Earlier this year, he led Mumbai to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after the domestic giant failed miserably in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He has also worked at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) as a bowling coach.
In his first stint with the women’s team, Powar was at the helm from July to November 2018. It was under his tutelage that India qualified for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup and won 14 T20 matches in a row.
Looking forward to take India women’s cricket ahead. Thanks a lot CAC & BCCI for this opportunity — Ramesh Powar, newly-appointed head coach