The Kerala Cricket Team is gearing up for an exciting 2024-25 domestic season with significant changes on the horizon. The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) is in the process of selecting a new head coach, and former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait has emerged as a strong contender for the role.
Potential New Coach: Shaun Tait
- Shaun Tait, who previously served as the bowling coach for Pakistan, is among the ten applicants for the Kerala head coach position.
- Tait’s experience with international teams, especially his recent stint with Pakistan, makes him a top candidate.
- If selected, Tait will be coaching under the captaincy of Sanju Samson, Kerala’s star skipper, creating an intriguing leadership dynamic.
Changes in the Squad
- Former Tamil Nadu cricketer Baba Aparajith is set to join Kerala, replacing Shreyas Gopal as one of the outstation players. Aparajith brings versatility and skill, having been part of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning team in 2012.
- Jalaj Saxena, who has been with Kerala since the 2016-17 season, will continue with the team. However, at 37, Saxena may see limited participation due to his recent struggles with batting form.
Women’s Team Appointments
- The KCA has also made key appointments for the Kerala women’s team. Former India internationals Devika Palshikar and Rumeli Dhar will be leading the team for the 2024-25 season.
- Devika, with experience as an assistant coach for the Indian and Bangladeshi women’s teams, and Rumeli, who recently coached Odisha’s women’s team, bring valuable expertise to their roles.
Kerala’s Coaching Legacy
- The search for a new head coach follows the resignation of M. Venkataramana, who stepped down due to personal reasons.
- Kerala has a history of high-profile coaches, including Dav Whatmore, who led Sri Lanka to their 1996 World Cup victory and coached Kerala to the Ranji Trophy semifinals in the 2018-19 season.
What’s Ahead for Kerala Cricket?
With the potential appointment of Shaun Tait and the addition of experienced players like Baba Aparajith, the Kerala cricket team is poised for a challenging yet promising season. The upcoming decisions by the KCA will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s performance and ambitions for the 2024-25 domestic cricket season.