WV Raman writes to BCCI president about “prima donna culture” in team

Former Indian women’s cricket team coach WV Raman wrote to BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, saying there is “prima donna culture” in the team. He also asserted it needs to change.

The mail, which was also marked to National Cricket Academy head Rahul Dravid. Raman has said he could give a roadmap for women’s cricket, if asked.

Raman was removed as the coach of senior women’s team by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). Ramesh Powar made a dramatic comeback as the coach of the India women’s cricket team on Thursday. Powar replaced WV Raman –the man who, incidentally, replaced him in the position as head coach. Powar was in charge of the India women’s team for a brief period in 2018.

“Raman has said that he has always ‘believed in a team being placed above everybody else. And insisted that no individual can really be a prima donna’,” a source told PTI.

The letter ensured that talks about coaches who were either asked sacked following fallouts with players. Most notably ODI captain Mithali Raj.

While Raman’s letter didn’t name anyone, Powar admitted that his professional relationship with Mithali was strained as he always found her ‘aloof’ and ‘difficult to handle’. This prompted Mithali to slam Powar and accuse Committee of Administrators’ head Diana Edulji of bias.

BCCI: What does the letter say?

Raman has written about players who need to place the team above self.

“Raman has asked Dada (Ganguly) that if a past accomplished performer feels constrained by this culture. Then he (Ganguly) as a former India captain, should take a call on this matter,” the source added.

Raman  was accused of not being proactive as a coach. He says he oversaw three training sessions (for Trailblazers, Velocity and Supernovas) between 1 pm to 9 pm in UAE conditions during the last T20 challenge.

“In case the president and secretary want to hear his opinion on allegations about his work ethic, he can explain.”

“When it comes to building a coaching manual or a training program for cricketers, it is the NCA which takes charge.

“So if Raman has any inputs with regards to training modules for upcoming women cricketers, the best person certainly is NCA head Rahul Dravid,” the source said.