Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana bat for Ramesh Powar’s continuation as coach

Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana bat for Ramesh Powar’s continuation as coach

PUNE: The row over Mithali Raj’s exclusion from the ICC Women’s World T20 semifinal versus England refuses to die down with two senior players of the team openly backing Ramesh Powar to get an extension as head coach.

The former India off-spinner’s contract as caretaker coach expired last week after just a three month-long tenure, and the BCCI has invited applications from eligible candidates for the job on a permanent basis. Mithali had written to the BCCI alleging that Powar discriminated against her and left her “deflated, depressed and let down” culminating in her omission from the semifinal against England in St. Lucia.

Powar, in his report to the Board, alleged that the veteran indulged in “blackmailing and pressurising” coaches. The BCCI, had the option of extending his contract for a year but it didn’t go down that route.

However, T20 skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and her deputy Smriti Mandhana have openly come out in Powar’s support, arguing that another change at the helm was not in the team’s interest.

Claiming that Mithali’s omission from the semifinal was a decision taken jointly by the coach, captain, vice-captain and selector on tour and entirely for cricketing reasons, Harmanpreet commended Powar for taking the team forward in a short time.

CURIOUS CASE
- Under his contract, which ended on November 30, Powar was eligible for a one-year extension that was contingent on a positive appraisal. Instead, the BCCI opted to advertise for the head coach position, with interviews scheduled for December 20. The new coach, who will get a two-year contract, is likely to be shortlisted by the cricket advisory committee or a group of eminent cricketers. Both players argued that with other tournaments and tours coming up, it was not the right time for a new coach.

NEW APPLICATIONS
- Powar can apply afresh for the job, but in the light of recent controversies, the Board is unlikely to pitch for him again. But with the two senior players voicing their support for him, it remains to be seen how the BCCI goes about it.
- The situation is a throwback to what occurred less than five months ago when previous coach Tushar Arothe was replaced by Powar after a public spat with the players. However, unlike the Arothe episode, outgoing coach Powar has the support of Harmanpreet and Mandhana.

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