Things finally fell in place as the Indian Women’s cricket team announced their coaching staff on the 19th of June. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), consisting of Ms. Sulakshana Naik, Mr. Ashok Malhotra, and Mr. Jatin Paranjape, thoroughly evaluated applications for the roles of one selector in the Women’s Selection Committee and Junior Cricket Committee, respectively. After careful consideration, the CAC has unanimously recommended Ms. Shyama Dey Shaw and Mr. VS Thilak Naidu for these esteemed positions.
Ms. Shaw, a talented left-handed batter and skillful medium-pace bowler, proudly represented India in three Tests and five One-Day Internationals. She showcased her exceptional abilities during her cricketing career, initially playing for Bengal in domestic cricket from 1985 to 1997, and later representing Railways from 1998 to 2002. Following her successful playing career, Ms. Shaw diligently served as a Bengal selector for two terms, bringing valuable insights and expertise to the selection process.
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Former India Cricketer Shyama Dey Shaw has been appointed to BCCI's Women's Selection Committee after recommendations from CAC.
Women's Selection Committee comprises:
Neetu David (chairperson)
Renu Margrate
Arati Vaidya
Kalpana Venkatacha
Shyama Dey Shaw.… pic.twitter.com/p2vW25XTiv— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 19, 2023
Women’s Selection Committee: Neetu David (chairperson), Renu Margrate, Arati Vaidya, Kalpana Venkatachar, Shyama Dey Shaw.
Earlier this year, BCCI sacked WV Raman who had been appointed in late 2018 with the assistance of Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Ajay Ratra, and four female candidates.
According to the notice issued on the board’s website, the ideal candidate should have represented India or any other country at the international level or should have a minimum NCA level ‘C’ coaching certificate or a similar certificate from a reputed organisation and a minimum of 50 first-class games. Powar goes on to meet the above-listed criteria.
Over the past few years, the coaching staff of India’s women’s cricket team has witnessed significant fluctuations. Following Ramesh Powar’s transfer to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the team participated in the T20 World Cup in South Africa this year without a designated head coach. Which rang serious alarms in the BCCI setup.
Considering the upcoming ICC events within the next two years, the BCCI plans to appoint a head coach for the team on a long-term basis. Although the specific duration of the tenure is not mentioned in the board’s announcement, it is apparent that the BCCI intends to appoint a head coach who will serve at least until the ODI World Cup in 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted in India.
Indian speedster Jhulan Goswami, added upon the importance for the women’s team to have a long-term head coach and not chop and change at regular intervals. She made insightful points that would help the Indian team breach greater challenges. The 40-year-old added on saying, “A team does not get ready overnight, and the role of a coach becomes crucial ahead of big-ticket tournaments. So, a dedicated support staff needs to be given enough freedom for the next two years. It’ll be unfair to judge coaches on the basis of just one series.”