The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) is on the brink of a key decision as it considers two distinguished former Indian cricketers, Rumeli Dhar and Devieka Palshikaar, for prominent coaching roles within the state’s cricketing structure.
The position of head coach for the Kerala women’s team has been vacant since May, following Suman Sharma’s departure to the Odisha women’s team. The KCA, which initially sought applications to fill this role, is now weighing a new strategy that could see both Dhar and Palshikaar taking on significant roles within the state’s cricketing ecosystem.
After a thorough selection process, the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) has shortlisted Dhar and Palshikaar and is considering a dual-coaching approach. The proposed plan involves one candidate managing the senior women’s team while the other would oversee junior women’s cricket and the High-Performance Centre.
Rumeli Dhar, known for her dynamic all-rounder capabilities, made her international debut on January 27, 2003, during the 2002–03 World Series of Women’s Cricket against England at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, New Zealand. Dhar was an integral part of the Indian team that reached the final of the 2005 World Cup and was the joint-leading wicket-taker for India at the 2009 World Twenty20. Despite not featuring in international matches since 2012, Dhar made a notable comeback in 2018, playing her final three international games against South Africa and Australia. Her return to the national side was fueled by her impressive domestic performances. Her career spanned 13 years, during which she played 78 ODIs, four Tests, and 18 T20Is.
On the other hand, Devieka Palshikaar, despite having played fewer international matches—15 ODIs and one Test, who has a rich coaching background, served as the assistant coach for the Indian women’s team between 2014 and 2016 and took on the same role for Bangladesh in 2018. Her coaching experience extends to various Indian domestic teams, and she was the head coach of Velocity during the 2022 Women’s T20 Challenge. Palshikaar’s extensive coaching credentials, combined with her role as the batting coach for Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a consultant coach to the Nepal national women’s cricket team, make her a strong candidate for a significant coaching position.
A CAC member highlighted, “We believe integrating the experience of both Rumeli and Devieka could be highly advantageous. We’re considering having one focus on the senior women’s team while the other manages the junior teams and the High-Performance Centre to enhance our cricketing structure.”
The KCA is expected to finalize its decision within the week. This potential appointment of Dhar and Palshikaar marks a significant step in the ongoing evolution of Kerala cricket.