Former Oman cricket coach gets Royals call
Rakesh Sharma, who has played for the national team, Muscat CT and also coached many junior teams, is bidding adieu to the Sultanate and is likely to accept an offer from IPL team Rajasthan Royals as assistant fielding coach
nishad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Former Oman under-19 coach Rakesh Sharma who is bidding adieu to Oman has received an offer from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals to join as assistant fielding coach.
Speaking to Times Sport in an interview yesterday, Rakesh, who will be leaving Sultanate this month said the talks with the former IPL champions are in the final stages.
“There are still a few things to be discussed before everything can be spelt-out but I am extremely happy to have received such an offer from Rajasthan Royals,” Rakesh said.
Rajasthan Royals who won the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008 under the captaincy of spin legend Shane Warne are now looking for revival.
“Rajasthan Royals franchise has a tradition of unearthing local talents from all age groups. If I am able to sign the contract with them, then it will be an exciting start to my coaching career,” said Rakesh, who played for Oman national team for nine years before shifting gears to become a coach.
Rakesh who has lived for 19 years in Oman with his family is looking to establish himself as a full-time coach in India.
“I have had some wonderful time here in Oman. I can never forget the platform I received in Oman where I established myself both as a player and a coach,” he said. “It has been quite a long journey and I will be taking along some good memories with me as I leave,” Rakesh said.
Rakesh has made a significant contribution to Oman Cricket over the last 19 years, both as a player and a coach. As a player, he represented Muscat CT for 18 years in the Oman Cricket League before moving on to coaching.
Having coached the women’s team for five years, Rakesh’s major break came last year when he took little known players to the brink of winning the ACC U-19 Challenge Cup. He also coached the national Under-16 team in 2012.
“Apart from IPL, I have also received some other good offers in India. I have been thinking for a while to settle back home and this is the best time to do that,” he said.
Recalling his days in Oman, Rakesh said he ‘missed’ the opportunity to play in the newly opened green cricket turf in Al Amerat.
“I think I didn’t have the luck to play there,” said Rakesh with a smile. I am happy to see that the new players are getting an opportunity to play on real cricketing surface and that is really good but what they need is to show commitment to the game,” he noted.
Rakesh also urged the OC officials to introduce the game in Omani schools. “When I coached the U-19 teams, there were few good Omani talents. I think if they (OC) can focus on the local talents, this game will have a great future here,” he pointed out.
He thanked the OC officials for reposing their faith in him.
“I would like to wholeheartedly thank OC chairman Kanak Khimji, Pankaj Khimji and Madhu Jesrani for supporting me and giving me major responsibilities. I can never forget them,” he said.
“I would also like to thank everyone in the family, particularly my wife Pratibha, for the great support. I think without them, I wouldn’t have reached this stage. My new role will be exciting and challenging and I am looking forward for it,” Rakesh added.