Kamal Ghorui
MUMBAI: Former Mumbai wicketkeeper Sulakshan Kulkarni has been appointed as the head coach of the Oman men’s cricket team. Kulkarni, who was Oman’s deputy head coach in the 2026 T20 World Cup, has replaced former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Duleep Mendis, who has now been moved to the role of the ‘Chief Development Officer’ at Oman Cricket.
Announcing Kulkarni’s appointment on Saturday, Oman Cricket posted on social media: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sulakshan Kulkarni as Head Coach of the Oman Men’s National Team. Bringing vast experience and a winning mindset, he is set to lead the #TeamOman into an exciting new era. “Duleep Mendis transitions to Chief Development Officer at Oman Cricket after 14 remarkable years at the helm leaving behind a stellar legacy of historic milestones and taking Oman cricket to unprecedented heights. His impact on the national team and the game’s growth in the country is truly immeasurable.”“It’s a big shoe to fill in. Mendis sir has played a very huge role in shaping Oman cricket. I thank Oman cricket for the opportunity to serve as a head coach,” Kulkarni told TOI from Oman.Kulkarni’s main task from here will be to help Oman qualify for the 50-over World Cup in South Africa next year. Oman will play a couple of ICC CWC League 2 Tri-nation series in Nepal and Namibia next month. Oman failed to impress in the T20 World Cup; they lost all their four matches, suffering heavy defeats to Australia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Ireland. Kulkarni was the head coach of the Maharashtra Ranji team in the 2024-25 season. He has also been the head coach of Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh in the past. The former Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter, who played 65 First-Class matches and 13 List A games, had guided Mumbai to its 40th Ranji Trophy title in 2012-13 as the team’s head coach.
