Saturday 28 / February / 2026
MUSCAT: An era that defined modern Omani cricket has given way to a new chapter. After nearly 14 years of transformation under Duleep Mendis, Oman Cricket (OC) has handed the reins of the national team to Sulakshan Kulkarni as it renews its push toward future challenges at continental and world stage.
Kulkarni, who has worked closely with the squad as deputy head coach in recent months, will formally assume charge of the national team head coach from March 1.
Mendis transitions into an expanded strategic role as Chief Development Officer and team mentor, overseeing the broader direction of Oman Cricket's national programmes - a move designed to blend continuity with fresh tactical direction for the crucial ODI World Cup qualification cycle.
Oman Cricket secretary Madhu Jesrani described the leadership shift as both timely and purposeful.
“It is time for changes as we aim for fresh goals and fresh ideas. With new thinking and new challenges, we are confident that Sulakshan’s [Kulkarni] experience will bring new vigour and lead the team to new heights,” Jesrani said. “He brings a wealth of coaching experience from top teams in India and has already worked closely with our players over the past few months.”
Jesrani also paid tribute to Mendis’ transformative impact. “Duleep’s contribution to Oman cricket is unparalleled, having led Oman to four T20 World Cups. That achievement, the maximum World Cup appearances by an Asian Associate nation, reflects the remarkable progress made under his leadership. We are grateful for his service and confident he will continue guiding the team in his overall leadership role.”
Kulkarni acknowledged the magnitude of the responsibility he inherits.
“To fill Duleep Mendis Sir’s legacy is a big task, but I am confident of doing well. He has done wonders for Oman cricket,” said Kulkarni. “It is a great honour to be appointed as Oman head coach. I am deeply grateful for the trust shown in me and committed to building on the team’s success with a clear vision for the future.”
The 59-year-old brings extensive experience as both player and coach. A former first-class cricketer from India’s domestic powerhouse Mumbai, Kulkarni featured in the national circuit for more than 15 seasons from 1985–86. Across 61 first-class matches, the wicketkeeper registered 117 catches and 21 stumpings - credentials that laid the foundation for a coaching career defined by structure and discipline.
He coached Mumbai’s Under-19 side before leading Vidarbha for two seasons and guiding the Central Zone team. As head coach of Mumbai, he steered the side to the Ranji Trophy [top India domestic tournament] title in 2012–13 following a semifinal finish the previous season. His subsequent assignments included roles with Nepal [batting coach], India’s Physically Challenged World Cup-winning side, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra before arriving in Oman last August.
“At the moment, I am taking it one step at a time,” Kulkarni added. “My primary focus is on the upcoming Cricket World Cup (CWC) League 2 series in Nepal, where we aim to set a strong tone for the season ahead.”
Renewed focus after T20 World Cup setback
The leadership transition comes at a pivotal juncture for the Oman national team, which is seeking to regroup after a forgettable T20 World Cup campaign.
The team will assemble for a preparatory camp with a 30-player pool ahead of its next assignment in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in Nepal from March 10 to 20, featuring hosts Nepal and the United Arab Emirates.
Oman have also roped in two more staff in their coaching set-up for the Nepal tr-series. They have hired Shyam Iyer as a high-performance analyst, who has worked with quite a few state teams in India, and Ashim Narang as a fielding coach. They will join existing support staff comprising Dr Ashish Awasthi (physio), and Shiva Manhas (trainer).
Oman currently sit fourth in the eight-team standings with 24 points from 20 matches, behind leaders the United States of America, along with Scotland and Netherlands. A top-four finish secures direct qualification to the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
With the new changes, Oman Cricket’s message is unmistakable: Evolution is not a departure from its journey, but the next step in sustaining its rise on the global stage.
