'Dear TNCA, please do not recruit such coaches' - Krishnamachari Srikkanth blasts Sulakshan Kulkarni over blame game

The public rebuke by Tamil Nadu coach Sulakshan Kulkarni towards skipper R Sai Kishore's decision to bat first in the Ranji Trophy semifinal has ignited a heated debate among former state legends. Krishnamachari Srikkanth, Hemang Badani, and Dinesh Karthik expressed dismay over Kulkarni's public critique and insisted such matters belonged behind closed doors. The controversy reasserted the importance of maintaining unity and resolving issues within the team, as emotions run high owing to the outcomes of crucial encounters.

Following Tamil Nadu's innings defeat against Mumbai, coach Kulkarni attributed the loss to captain Kishore's decision-making. Kulkarni accused Kishore of choosing to bat first in bowler-friendly conditions against the team's wish to bowl first. He claimed that the captain changed his decision at the eleventh hour. This public criticism has drawn sharp reactions from several former cricketers, with Srikkanth also condemning Kulkarni's approach.

“This is absolutely not fair. Dear TNCA, please do not recruit such coaches from outside (the state),” Krishnamachari Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

"I told him (Sai Kishore) that we will bowl first if we win the toss. That was the last communication I had with the captain before the toss, and it happened about five to seven minutes before he went to the middle. He suddenly decided to bat first and everyone in the dressing room was stunned. Even the opponents were (stunned)," Kulkarni had said as quoted by TOI.

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Tamil Nadu succumb to Mumbai’s dominant display

Opting to bat first, Tamil Nadu stumbled to 42 for 5 in the opening session, eventually collapsing for 146 runs. Despite captain Kishore's commendable five-wicket haul that restricted Mumbai to 106 for 7, Tamil Nadu faltered against Mumbai's resilient lower-order batting prowess. Kishore's efforts with the ball weren't enough to counter Mumbai's strong finish, leading to Tamil Nadu's struggles in the crucial phases of the game.

Shardul Thakur notched up a remarkable century while Tanush Kotian contributed 89 runs as Mumbai amassed a formidable total of 378 runs. In the second innings, Tamil Nadu struggled once more, managing only 162 runs before being bundled out. Mumbai clinched a convincing victory by an innings and 70 runs, securing their spot in the final with a dominant performance.

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