Oman
Sulakshan Kulkarni Appointed Deputy Head Coach of Oman Men’s Cricket Team: Oman Cricket has appointed veteran cricket tactician Sulakshan Kulkarni as the Deputy Head Coach of the Oman men’s cricket team. With over two decades of elite coaching experience, Kulkarni’s addition marks a significant step in Oman’s ambition to qualify for future ICC World Cup events and strengthen its cricketing infrastructure.
A seasoned campaigner and former Mumbai cricket stalwart, Kulkarni played first-class cricket from 1985 to 2002, sharing the dressing room with legends such as Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. As a player and later a coach, he helped Mumbai secure seven Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup titles, and was even named in the probable squad for India’s 1987 World Cup.
Kulkarni’s coaching resume is nothing short of impressive. He has helmed top domestic sides including Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Under his leadership, Mumbai lifted the Ranji Trophy and the Deodhar Trophy, while West Zone achieved victory under his strategic direction. Kulkarni is also credited with shaping the careers of international stars like Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Avishkar Salvi.
In 2018, he served as the Batting Consultant for Nepal during the ICC World Cup Qualifiers Division II, playing a pivotal role in helping the team secure ODI status for the first time in its history.
Speaking about the appointment, Oman Cricket officials said, “Kulkarni’s wealth of experience, particularly in player development and high-pressure environments, will be a tremendous asset as we prepare for the ICC EAP Asia Qualifier Final and progress in the ICC CWC League 2—both critical steps toward qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2026 and the Cricket World Cup 2027.”
Kulkarni will work alongside Head Coach Duleep Mendis, forming a formidable backroom staff focused on elevating Oman’s performance in international cricket. Oman Cricket has extended a warm welcome to Sulakshan Kulkarni, expressing confidence that his technical expertise, leadership, and mentorship will prove invaluable.
