In a big development ahead of the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, the BCCI on Tuesday appointed Hrishikesh Kanitkar as the women team's batting coach. Notably, Ramesh Powar is also leaving the post of Women team's head coach and will now join VVS Laxman at the National Cricket Academy as a spin bowling coach.
The Indian board released a statement confirming the decisions. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced the appointment of Mr. Hrishikesh Kanitkar as the Batting Coach of the Senior Women’s cricket team. Mr. Kanitkar will join the team from the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia starting 9th December in Mumbai."
Ramesh Powar to switch to Men's cricket
Notably, Powar will switch to Men's cricket. BCCI added in its statement, "Mr. Ramesh Powar, former Head Coach of the senior women’s team will join Mr. VVS Laxman, Head Cricket, National Cricket Academy, and will switch to Men’s cricket as part of the restructuring module of the BCCI."
After being appointed as the women's side's batting coach Kanitkar said, "It is an honour to be appointed as the new Batting Coach of the Senior Women’s team. I see tremendous prospects in this team and we have a good mix of youth and experience. I believe this team is ready for the challenge ahead. We have a few marquee events coming up and it is going to be exciting for the team and myself as batting coach."
Powar was made the head coach of the team for a second stint in 2021. The team won the Silver medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games but failed to make it to the semis of the 50-over World Cup earlier this year.
Reflecting on his stint with the Indian team, Powar stated, "I have had an enriching experience in my stint as Head Coach of the senior women’s team. Over the years I have worked closely with some of the stalwarts of the game and upcoming talents of the country. With my new role at the NCA, I will be looking to take forward my experience over the years to help build talent for the future. I look forward to working in tandem with Mr VVS Laxman for the further development of the game and bench strength.”
Kanitkar led the Indian U-19 team to the World title in 2022 and was the batting consultant of the second-string Indian team in the series against New Zealand
On his appointment, Kanitkar said, "It is an honour to be appointed as the new Batting Coach of the Senior Women’s team. I see tremendous prospects in this team and we have a good mix of youth and experience. I believe this team is ready for the challenge ahead. We have a few marquee events coming up and it is going to be exciting for the team and myself as batting coach.
