Ramesh Powar comes on as India women’s team head coach

Ramesh Powar

Ramesh Powar on Thursday was provided a second spell as head coach of the India women's team by the BCCI, despite his acrimonious exit in November 2018.

A fallout with senior-most player Mithali Raj led to Powar's departure during the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) regime.

Powar was chosen from over 35 applications that the BCCI received for the post. He replaces WV Raman, who took over from Powar.

The ex-Test and ODI opener helped India reach the T20 World Cup final in Australia last year.

‘Powar was never at fault'

S Madan Lal, head of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising RP Singh and Sulakshana Naik, explained why Powar was chosen unanimously. "He had clear plans. From whatever he said, we [CAC] felt he could do the job. He was never at fault [in the Mithali saga]; only a player had complained. There are arguments that happen sometimes, but that doesn't mean we can disregard his qualifications and achievements [as a coach]. All his credentials were taken into account. He has also been coaching for the last two to three years," Madan Lal told mid-day from New Delhi.

S Madan Lal

Powar recently helped Mumbai win the Vijay Hazare Trophy after being appointed at short notice. "Even that was taken into consideration," said Madan Lal.

Not much has changed since Powar exited. Mithali is still the ODI captain while Harmanpreet Kaur is the T20I skipper.

It can be recalled that other senior players like Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana had urged the BCCI to continue with Powar, but the CoA did not renew his contract, bringing an end to his term. Powar was first appointed as an interim coach in July 2018 before his contract was renewed till the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Way back then, Mithali said Powar "was out to destroy and humiliate her" while the former India off-spinner countered that Mithali threw tantrums and threatened to quit if she was not allowed to open the innings during the 2018 T20 World Cup where India lost in the semis.

Did the CAC take into account the Powar-Mithali saga? "Kya problem tha [What was the problem]?" Madan Lal shot back. "He had no issues with the players, right? He did not complain about the players. We are aware there was some controversy, but that's in the past now."

England challenge

Powar's immediate challenge will be the England tour where the Indian team will play a Test match after seven years (June 16 to 22 at Bristol) apart from three ODIs and T20Is each. He will also prepare the team for next year's ICC World Cup in New Zealand.

Madan Lal said Powar's performance will be reviewed after one year.

Meanwhile, Powar promised to try his best to help the team achieve glory. "[I am] looking forward to take India women's cricket ahead. Thanks a lot CAC & BCCI for this opportunity," he tweeted.

Raman tweeted a congratulatory message: "All the best @imrameshpowar with the @BCCIWomen in this spell.. Look forward to seeing the girls soar under your guidance."

Eight in the fray

Four men and women candidates were shortlisted for interviews with the CAC - Powar, Raman, Ajay Ratra and Hrishikesh Kanitkar - Mamtha Maben, Devika Palshikar, ex-chief selector Hemlatha Kala and former Team India assistant coach Suman Sharma. "Everyone looked impressive but we will be only impressed with results. In interviews, everybody can say, ‘I can do this and that'. But when we took their interviews, all three of us felt that he [Powar] is the best candidate," concluded Madan Lal.

Also Read: Mumbai coach Ramesh Powar lauds hands-on captain Prithvi Shaw

14
No. of internationals India women's team won in a row during Ramesh Powar's first stint as coach