Former Ranji Trophy winner Sulakshan Kulkarni named Oman's head coach
The former Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter played 65 first-class matches and 13 List A games between 1985-86 and 2001-02.
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Former Ranji Trophy winner Sulakshan Kulkarni has been appointed as the new head coach of the Oman men’s cricket team. The 59-year-old replaces Duleep Mendis, who steps down after a 14-year stint in charge. Oman Cricket confirmed the development shortly after the conclusion of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which was Mendis’ final assignment as head coach.
Kulkarni’s promotion comes after serving as Oman’s deputy head coach since July last year. Having closely worked with the squad during the T20 World Cup campaign, he is well aware of the team’s structure. Oman Cricket, in its official statement, expressed confidence in Kulkarni’s ability and praised Mendis for laying a strong foundation for the sport in the country.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sulakshan Kulkarni as Head Coach of the Oman Men’s National Team.
— Oman Cricket (@TheOmanCricket) February 28, 2026
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… pic.twitter.com/wonXT6xNZR
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Under Mendis, Oman featured in four T20 World Cups and achieved several historic milestones, making themselves one of the more competitive Associate sides. However, their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment. Placed in a tough group alongside Australia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Ireland, Oman failed to register a single win and exited in the group stage.
It's a big shoe to fill in: Sulakshan Kulkarni
Meanwhile, Kulkarni brings with him vast experience from Indian domestic cricket. A former Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter, he played 65 first-class matches and 13 List A games between 1985-86 and 2001-02. He scored 3332 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 38.29, including six centuries and 13 half-centuries. Apart from Mumbai, he represented Railways, Assam, and Vidarbha during his playing career.
His coaching stint includes him previously serving as head coach of Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra in the domestic circuit. One of his biggest achievements came in the 2012-13 season when he guided Mumbai to their 40th Ranji Trophy title.
Speaking after his appointment, Kulkarni spoke about the challenge ahead, admitting that he has big shoes to fill. He credited Mendis for shaping Oman cricket and thanked the board for handing him the responsibility.
"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.
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Oman’s immediate assignments in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 are scheduled to be held in Nepal alongside the UAE and Nepal, but the fixtures have been postponed due to air strikes in West Asia that led to widespread flight cancellations. Once the schedule resumes, Kulkarni’s objective will be to take Oman towards qualification for the 50-over World Cup in South Africa next year.
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