Reports: Sulakshan Kulkarni steps down as TN head coach after Ranji Trophy semifinal controversy

Sulakshan Kulkarni. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Tamil Nadu head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni, who blamed captain R Sai Kishore for the team’s defeat to Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024 semifinals, has reportedly relinquished his position.

Former Mumbai cricketer Kulkarni signed a multi-season deal with Tamil Nadu as the head coach last year. He helped the team reach the semifinals of India’s premier domestic red-ball competition for the first time since the 2016/17 season.

However, he fell off the good books of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the rest of the players after he said that skipper Sai Kishore went against the team’s plans and opted to bat first at the toss. Kulkarni stated that Tamil Nadu lost the match at the toss itself.

“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,” Kulkarni had said after the loss.

He suffered a lot of backlash after his comments as Tamil Nadu stalwarts like Dinesh Karthik, Hemang Badani, and Krishnamachari Srikkanth came out in defence of Sai Kishore and criticised the 57-year-old.

Lakshmipathy Balaji in line to become next TN head coach

According to a report in The Times of India, Kulkarni has already informed TNCA that he intends to end his association with the team.

“Kulkarni has sent his resignation letter to TNCA via mail, saying that he is unavailable for the coming season due to personal reasons,” a source told the news outlet.

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As per reports, Lakshmipathy Balaji, who is the current bowling coach of Tamil Nadu, could be promoted to the head coach’s position.