Ramesh Powar’s appointment as the head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team left many surprised. Deep Dasgupta has now questioned the basis of WV Raman’s exit as the coach.
Former Indian cricketer Ramesh Powar returned as the head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team for the second time after predecessor WV Raman was shown the door. The move by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) baffled people for multiple reasons.
Ramesh Powar’s Appointment As Women Team’s Head Coach Surprised Deep Dasgupta As WV Raman Led Women Team To Finals Of T20 World Cup 2020
WV Raman had done reasonably well as the coach of the team, taking them to the final of T20 World Cup 2020 but still, he was replaced by Ramesh Powar, leaving many experts including Deep Dasgupta baffled. Even Ramesh Powar had a successful spell with the Indian women team before the allegations of ‘bias’ by Mithali Raj saw him being axed. The management’s decision to award him the job once again, hence, has raised many eyebrows.
Speaking on Sports Today, Deep Dasgupta highlighted the importance of continuity in the team as both Ramesh Powar and WV Raman produced promising yet short spells in charge.
“I Know WV from the last 20 years, I mean personally. He came in as our coach in 2001 and I have obviously a great rapport with Ramesh, obviously I have played a lot with him and against him. The only thing which strikes me as you mentioned, it hasn’t been too long with WV and whatever he has done. He has done well, my only concern is that there has to be some continuity,” said the former India wicket-keeper batsman.
“The last time Indian cricket team a major tournament, played the finals of the World Cup. Like I said both of them are extremely close to me and I like both of them but I just wish there is some continuity. There hasn’t been much cricket (for India Women due to Covid-19) so I don’t know on what basis WV Raman was not there.
You can ask the same question why Ramesh was initially sacked because he did fairly well as well. So, I just hope there is continuity now,” Deep Dasgupta told Sports Today.
The women’s ODI World Cup is re-scheduled in New Zealand in less than a year’s time in 2022 and Commonwealth Games in Birmingham will follow the event. The three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Madan Lal, Sulakshana Naik, and RP Singh, interviewed the applicants and unanimously agreed on Ramesh Powar’s candidature.
Ramesh Powar will replace WV Raman, who was appointed the head coach of the India women’s team in December 2018. During Raman’s tenure, India managed to reach the finals of the T20 World Cup 2020. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side ended up losing the summit clash against Australia.
Deep Dasgupta Stresses On Continuity
Since the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup, not much women’s cricket has taken place as far as the Indian Women team is concerned. Deep Dasgupta, hence, feels there weren’t many performance-related reasons backing the change in coach.
“The last time Indian cricket team a major tournament, played the finals of the World Cup. Like I said both of them are extremely close to me and I like both of them but I just wish there is some continuity. There hasn’t been much cricket (for India Women due to Covid-19) so I don’t know on what basis WV Raman was not there. You can ask the same question why Ramesh was initially sacked because he did fairly well as well. So, I just hope there is continuity now,” he said.
With Mithali Raj still an integral part of the Indian ODI team, she and head coach Ramesh Powar would need to patch up their differences for the common good of the Indian team.
Ramesh Powar had represented India in 2 Tests and 31 ODIs. After his playing career, he took up cricket coaching and is an ECB Level 2 certified coach. He has also attended the BCCI-NCA Level 2 coaching course. Ramesh Powar had earlier served as the head coach of the Indian Women’s Team from July-November 2018. It was under his stint that the Indian eves qualified for the semi-final of the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup in 2018. Besides, they also won 14 T20I games in a row.
The BCCI on Friday announced the Indian women’s squad for the upcoming tour of England. It is comprised of a One-off Test match, 3 ODIs, and as many T20Is. Veteran Indian batswoman Mithali Raj will lead the side in the Test and ODIs with Harmanpreet Kaur as her deputy.
Teen batting sensation Shafali Verma and seasoned pacer Shikha Pandey have made it to all three squads after their South Africa home series snubs. Wicketkeeper-batter Indrani Roy has been rewarded with maiden Test and ODI call-up for India’s tour of England. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad missed out due to an injury.