Tamil Nadu Cricket: Split-Coaching Model Debuts

Tamil Nadu cricket is making significant changes to improve its performance in domestic tournaments. After struggling in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has decided to implement a split-coaching model. This decision comes after the team's disappointing results, having lost two matches and drawn one out of four played so far.

In a surprising move, former spinner M Venkataramana has been reinstated as the head coach for white-ball competitions such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He previously held the position until the 2022-23 season when he was replaced by Sulakshan Kulkarni. The TNCA hopes that returning to Venkataramana will breathe new life into the team's performance, especially in the white-ball formats.

Meanwhile, M Senthilnathan, who had been appointed as head coach at the beginning of the season, will now focus solely on the Ranji Trophy. The TNCA's decision was announced by secretary U Bhagwandas Rao, who emphasized the committee's intent to improve the team's prospects in upcoming tournaments.

This split-coaching model marks a significant shift in the Indian domestic cricket landscape, as it is the first time such an arrangement has been introduced. While split coaching is common in international cricket, its application in domestic circles is a new frontier for Indian cricket.

As the team continues to struggle in the Ranji Trophy, players like Varun Chakaravathy will be crucial as they head into the group stages. Chakaravathy, the world's top-ranked T20I bowler, will captain the team for four matches before joining the Indian squad for their series against South Africa.

With only two rounds left in the Ranji Trophy, the TNCA's bold decision to adopt a split-coaching model could be the turning point for Tamil Nadu cricket. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this innovative strategy leads to better results in the coming tournaments.