The outgoing India Women head coach WV Raman has written a scathing letter to the BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and the National Cricket Academy head Rahul Dravid after he was not retained for the role, alleging that there is a “prima donna culture” in the national side that needs to change.
In a surprising move, the Cricket Advisory Committee-led by Madan Lal, RP Singh, and Sulakshana Naik, did not retain Raman as the head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team and reinstated former head coach Ramesh Powar recently. Raman was given the job after the sacking of Powar in 2018.
Raman’s snub was a major surprise for everyone as the coach was doing well and during his stint, the Indian Women's cricket team made its way to the T20 World Cup final last year in Australia.
A source aware of Raman's mail to Ganguly and Dravid told PTI on Friday (May 14): “As far as I know, Raman has said that he has always 'believed in the team being placed above everybody else, and insisted that no individual can really be a prima donna'.”
It is being said that the outgoing head coach has spoken extensively about the star culture that prevails in the national team, that’s probably doing more harm than good, according to Raman.
The reports also suggested that Raman didn’t answer the repeated calls, as he sent his communication through an e-mail to Indian legends Ganguly and Dravid. In the mail, he has written about certain individuals who need to place the team above self.
The source revealed, “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.”
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Raman was also reportedly disappointed by allegations that he is not proactive as a coach and told the critics 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.
He further added, “In case the president and secretary want to hear his opinion on allegations about his work ethic, he can explain.”
Raman sent the same mail to NCA head Dravid because he sincerely believes that he can contribute towards building a roadmap for Indian women's cricket.
The source concluded, “When it comes to building a coaching manual or a training program 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.”
(With PTI Inputs)
