Sulakshan Kulkarni Named Deputy Head Coach Of Oman Men's Cricket Team
Kulkarni's tenure with the team will officially begin with the T20 World Cup Qualifiers, which Oman will host from October 8 to 18.
Former Mumbai wicketkeeper Sulakshan Kulkarni has been appointed as the deputy head coach of the Oman men's national cricket team. Kulkarni's role will be crucial as the team aims to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka in February and March of the following year.
Oman Cricket confirmed the appointment via social media post on Sunday. Taking to X, the cricket association wrote, 'We're pleased to welcome Sulakshan Kulkarni as the Deputy Head Coach of the Oman Men's National Team! A seasoned coach with a wealth of domestic and international experience, Kulkarni brings depth and able leadership to our coaching setup as we prepare for the upcoming journey on the global stage."
His tenure with the team will officially begin with the T20 World Cup Qualifiers, which Oman will host from October 8 to 18.
Duleep Mendis, a former wicketkeeper-batter for Sri Lanka, will continue to serve as the head coach of the Oman national cricket team.
Kulkarni, who played 65 First-Class matches and 13 List A games, brings extensive experience to his new position.
He has previously worked as the head coach for several domestic teams, including Maharashtra, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh. Notably, he led Mumbai to a Ranji Trophy victory in the 2012-13 season and was the head coach for the Maharashtra Ranji team last season.
Oman has already secured qualification for the Asia Cup in September, although the final status of the tournament remains uncertain and depends on an upcoming Asian Cricket Council meeting. This appointment marks the second time that Oman Cricket has added an Indian, and specifically a Mumbaikar, to its support staff, following Omkar Salvi's tenure as the team's bowling coach a few years ago.
The 58-year-old Kulkarni is expected to bring both experienced leadership and strategic contributions to Oman's cricket ambitions.
(With IANS Inputs)
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First Published:
July 20, 2025, 18:36 IST
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