Sulakshan Kulkarni, the head coach of Tamil Nadu’s cricket team, has reportedly stepped down from his position following criticism directed at him after the team’s loss to Mumbai in the 2024 Ranji Trophy semifinals. Kulkarni, a former Mumbai cricketer, had joined Tamil Nadu as head coach under a multi-season deal last year, leading them to the semifinals for the first time since 2016/17.
Kulkarni said: “I always speak straightforward — we lost the match at 9 o’clock on Day One. Everything was set, we won the toss, as a coach, as a Mumbaikar, I know the conditions well. We should have bowled but the captain had some different instinct. Ultimately, he is the boss. I can give my feedback and inputs (as to) what kind of wickets and Mumbai’s mindset also. (From) 106/7, I knew before the match that this (Mumbai’s fightback) may happen.”
However, his tenure soured when he publicly blamed team captain R Sai Kishore for the defeat, alleging that Sai Kishore’s decision to bat first at the toss went against the team’s strategy and led to their loss. This statement led to a backlash from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and players alike, including prominent figures like Dinesh Karthik, Hemang Badani, and Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who defended Sai Kishore and criticized Kulkarni.
An anonymous source said: “Kulkarni has sent his resignation letter to TNCA via mail, saying that he is unavailable for the coming season due to personal reasons.”
Following the backlash, Kulkarni reportedly informed TNCA of his decision to sever ties with the team. It is speculated that Lakshmipathy Balaji, the current bowling coach of Tamil Nadu, may be elevated to the head coach position. Kulkarni’s departure marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in Tamil Nadu cricket, highlighting the complexities and tensions that can arise within a team environment, even at the highest levels of the sport.
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