Ramesh Powar's term as India Women's head coach ends following World Cup exit

Former Indian spinner Ramesh Powar’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian women’s team has come to an end, following the Women in Blue’s exit from the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup being conducted in New Zealand. To note, Team India did not manage to reach the semifinals of the tournament after a disappointing loss to South Africa in their last league-stage encounter.

As Powar’s contract comes to an end, the former Indian player will have to reapply for the post as per the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) norms. Much to a surprise for everyone, Powar took over the head coach position from WV Raman, despite the latter having guided the team to the T20 World Cup final in 2020.

Ramesh Powar’s first term as head coach was marred by controversy

“Powar’s contract was until the World Cup. There is no provision for extension. So the entire process starts with applications and interviews. Powar can certainly reapply and CAC (Cricket Advisory Committee), as per the constitution, will take a call.” a BCCI source was quoted by Indian Express.

The source also opened up about the call to re-appoint the former off-spinner as a head coach despite Raman’s impressive results. “The CAC takes the call and if they felt Ramesh would do better than Raman, it was their call. The board can’t interfere,” the source added.

To note, this was Powar’s second term as coach with the Women in Blue. His first term was marred by a major controversy as he was involved in a dispute with the current Indian skipper Mithali Raj during the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup.

In a similar development, National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman is expected to play a vital role in women’s cricket in the wake of the side’s disappointing World Cup performance. The U19 women’s T20 World Cup is slated to be held next year and it might be a starting point for Laxman’s involvement in women’s cricket.