Get set to beat summer with these water pursuits
Ousted Indian women's cricket team coach WV Raman has written to BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, alleging that there is a ‘prima donna culture’ in the national team and it needs to change.
In the mail that has also been marked to National Cricket Academy head Rahul Dravid, Raman has also offered to present a roadmap for women's cricket in the country, if asked.
In a surprising move, the former India Test player was not retained as the head coach of the senior women's team by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) which picked Ramesh Powar for the top job.
Raman's major achievements included a runners-up finish for the side at the women's T20 World Cup last year.
"As far as I know, Raman has said that he has always 'believed in team being placed above everybody else, and insisted that no individual can really be a prima donna'," a source told PTI.
The former left-hander's crisp letter to the two former captains is likely to ruffle a few feathers given that it has always been the coaches who have either stepped aside or sacked following fallouts with players, most notably ODI captain Mithali Raj.
While Raman's letter didn't name anyone, it is understood that he has spoken extensively about the star culture that prevails in the team, which he said is probably doing more harm than good.
While repeated calls to Raman went unanswered, a source in the know of things did admit that a mail to both Ganguly and Dravid has gone out.
It is learnt that Raman has written about certain individuals who need to place the team above self.
"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 learnt, is dismayed by allegations that he is 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 last T20 challenge.
"In case the president and secretary want to hear his opinion on allegations about his work ethic, he can explain."
The letter has been copied to Dravid because Raman sincerely believes that he can contribute towards building a roadmap for Indian women's cricket.
"When it comes to building a coaching manual or a training programme for cricketers, it is the NCA which 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 said.
Get set to beat summer with these water pursuits
PSG must overturn a 1-0 deficit from last week's first leg after a Niclas Fuellkrug goal gave Dortmund a narrow victory in Germany
Nine routes are to be operated between Saudi Arabia and UAE by the airline
The first quarter has been marked with record revenue of Dh14.2 billion
It was a long overdue triumph for Norris, who held the record for most podiums without a win (15)
The battle against inflation remains a focal point, expert says
The Israeli military did not offer an immediate comment, but earlier on Sunday it ordered residents of Al-Shuka and Al-Salam to move to a humanitarian area
The authority called on residents to not circulate rumours and false information during this time