Veteran Mumbai cricketer and coach Sulakshan Kulkarni has been appointed as the Deputy Head Coach of the Oman Men’s National Cricket Team, as confirmed by Oman Cricket on July 20 (Sunday). Kulkarni, 58, brings a wealth of domestic coaching and playing experience to the associate nation, as Oman gears up for crucial international fixtures.
Kulkarni’s Cricketing Journey and Coaching Experience
Kulkarni’s first-class cricket career spanned from 1985 to 2002, during which he shared the dressing room with Indian legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar. While he never donned the India cap, he made a significant impact in Indian domestic cricket. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching and took charge of several top domestic teams including Mumbai, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
He is widely credited for mentoring and shaping the early careers of several current and former Indian internationals such as Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Avishkar Salvi. His technical acumen and disciplined coaching style have made him a respected name in Indian cricketing circles.
Role with Oman and Previous International Experience
Kulkarni’s new role will see him working closely with Duleep Mendis, Oman’s head coach, especially during high-stakes tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, the ICC EAP Asia Qualifier Final, and preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
This isn’t Kulkarni’s first involvement with an associate cricketing nation. In 2018, he served as a batting consultant for Nepal, helping the team achieve ODI status for the first time—a historic milestone in their cricketing journey.
Oman Cricket praised Kulkarni’s extensive experience in a media release, stating:
“A seasoned cricketing mind and former first-class cricketer, Kulkarni brings with him over two decades of elite coaching experience and a deep understanding of the game, having contributed significantly to Indian Domestic Cricket and International Assignments.”
With Oman looking to make a strong impression on the global stage, Kulkarni’s appointment signals a strategic move to strengthen their coaching setup and push for World Cup qualification.
