On Thursday, Ramesh Powar replaced WV Raman as the head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team. The former India off-spinner was the head coach of the women’s team between August and November 2018 and was replaced by WV Raman in December 2018. A fallout between Powar and India ODI captain Mithali Raj was one of the reasons for his axing.
A day after being replaced as the Head Coach, WV Raman has written a letter to BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and NCA head Rahul Dravid, in which he has talked about the “prima donna culture” in the team which needs to be changed. While the letter does not contain any specific names, it is evident that there is a star culture in the team which is not helping but hurting the girls.
“As far as I know, Raman has said that he has always ‘believed in a team being placed above everybody else and insisted that no individual can really be a prima donna’,” a source privy to Raman’s mail told PTI.
Raman’s letter to Ganguly and Dravid may not go down too well with the people concerned with the development. In the case of women’s cricket, it has been observed that the coaches have either moved out or axed whenever there are any disagreements among the players.
“Raman has asked Dada (Ganguly) that if a past accomplished performer feels constrained by this culture, then he (Ganguly) as a former India captain, should take a call on this matter, whether the coach is asking for too much,” the source added.
Raman, it is learned, is also dismayed by allegations that he was not proactive as a coach. He has recalled how he oversaw three training sessions (for Trailblazers, Velocity, and Supernovas) between 1 pm to 9 pm in humid UAE conditions during the Women’s T20 Challenge in 2020.
“In case the president and secretary want to hear his opinion on allegations about his work ethic, he can explain. When it comes to building a coaching manual or a training program for cricketers, it is the NCA that takes charge. So if Raman has any inputs with regards to training modules for upcoming women cricketers, the best person certainly is NCA head Rahul Dravid,” the source stated.
Raman tweeted the following yesterday:
So, to wind up this @BCCIWomen episode, I would like to inform my friends in the media that I have no inclination to talk about women’s cricket as my tenure has ended.. So, I solicit your cooperation, friends..
— WV Raman (@wvraman) May 14, 2021
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I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
