Tamil Nadu Cricket Embraces Historic Split-Coaching Model
In a groundbreaking move for Indian domestic cricket, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has decided to implement a split-coaching system, marking the first time such an approach has been adopted in India's domestic circuit. This strategic decision comes as the state team struggles in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season.
The TNCA has relieved M Senthilnathan from his head coach responsibilities for the upcoming white-ball tournaments and has instead reinstated former spinner M Venkataramana to lead the team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy competitions.
Coaching Reshuffle Announced by TNCA
The official announcement came on Tuesday evening from TNCA secretary U Bhagwandas Rao, following a meeting of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). The committee, headed by former player D Girish, made the significant decision to separate coaching duties between the different formats.
According to the official statement, "The Cricket Advisory Committee of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, in its meeting, has appointed N Venkataramana as the head coach for the Tamil Nadu Senior State Team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments for the ongoing 2025–26 season."
The statement further clarified that M Senthilnathan will continue as head coach exclusively for Ranji Trophy matches during the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Venkataramana's Return to Tamil Nadu Cricket
This appointment marks a significant comeback for Venkataramana, who previously served as the head coach of the senior state team until the end of the 2022/23 season. Interestingly, the same CAC that had removed him two years earlier to bring in Sulakshan Kulkarni has now decided to return to the experienced coach.
The decision to bring back Venkataramana appears to be a strategic move to revive Tamil Nadu's fortunes in the white-ball tournaments, where the team's prospects have been looking uncertain given their current squad composition.
Ranji Trophy Struggles Prompt Changes
The coaching reshuffle comes against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu's disappointing performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The team has failed to secure a single victory in their four matches so far, with their record including:
- Two outright losses
- One match where they conceded first innings lead
- One drawn game against Nagaland
Speculations about Senthilnathan's future had been circulating since the conclusion of TNCA's Annual General Meeting, with the team's poor performances drawing increasing scrutiny. The timing of the decision became apparent on Tuesday during Day 3 of Tamil Nadu's Ranji fixture against Uttar Pradesh in Coimbatore, when news emerged about potential mid-season changes.
The TNCA officials held a late evening meeting that same day, ultimately deciding to implement the split-coaching model that has become common in international cricket but remains unprecedented in Indian domestic cricket.
Future Uncertainties and Leadership
While Senthilnathan retains his position for the Ranji Trophy, questions remain about his long-term future with the team, especially since there are only two more rounds remaining in the current season.
In another significant development, Varun Chakaravathy has been named to lead Tamil Nadu in the group stages of the white-ball tournaments, which will be played in Ahmedabad. The Indian spinner, who currently holds the top ranking in T20I bowling worldwide, is expected to captain the side in four matches before joining the national team for the upcoming series against South Africa.
This historic move by Tamil Nadu cricket authorities could potentially set a precedent for other state associations in India, as the specialization of coaching roles by format gains traction in domestic cricket following its established success at the international level.
