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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Cricket’s Quiet Crusader

Former kca Selection Chief who helped nurture a generation of women cricketers when the sport struggled for recognition Niketha Ramankutty A prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket, Niketha Ramankutty — former Chairperson of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Women’s Selection Committee and Manager of the Kerala State women’s teams — has long championed the game, especially when women’s cricket had little platform in her home state. Her dedication helped nurture girls taking to cricket...

Cricket’s Quiet Crusader

Former kca Selection Chief who helped nurture a generation of women cricketers when the sport struggled for recognition Niketha Ramankutty A prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket, Niketha Ramankutty — former Chairperson of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Women’s Selection Committee and Manager of the Kerala State women’s teams — has long championed the game, especially when women’s cricket had little platform in her home state. Her dedication helped nurture girls taking to cricket in Kerala. During her tenure, which ended recently, five players from the state went on to represent India, while three now feature in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Niketha’s journey began in 1995 on modest grounds and rough pitches in the blazing sun of her native Thrissur. At the time, girls aspiring to play cricket often drew curious stares or disapproving glances. This was despite Kerala producing some of India’s finest female athletes, including P.T. Usha, Shiny Wilson, Anju Bobby George, K.M. Beenamol and Tintu Luka. “Those were the days when women’s cricket did not attract packed stadiums, prime-time television coverage, lucrative contracts or celebrity status. Thankfully, the BCCI has taken progressive steps, including equal pay for the senior women’s team and launching the WPL. These have brought greater visibility, professional avenues and financial security for women cricketers,” Niketha said during a chat with  The Perfect Voice  in Pune. With better infrastructure, stronger domestic competitions and greater junior-level exposure, she believes the future of women’s cricket in India is bright and encourages more girls to pursue the sport seriously. Humble Beginnings Niketha began playing informal matches in neighbourhood kalisthalams (playgrounds) and school competitions before realising cricket was her true calling. Coaches who noticed her composure encouraged her to pursue the game seriously. More than flamboyance, she brought reliability and quiet determination to the turf — qualities every captain values when a match hangs in the balance. These traits helped her rise through the ranks and become a key figure in Kerala’s women’s cricket structure. “She was like a gentle messiah for the players. During demanding moments, they could rely on her – whether to stabilise an innings or lift team spirit,” recalled a former colleague. Guiding Youngsters Her involvement came when women’s cricket in many states struggled even for basic facilities. Matches were rarely covered by the media, and limited travel or training arrangements often tested players’ patience. “As a mother of two daughters—Namradha, 18, and Nivedya, 14—I could understand the emotions of the young girls in the teams. Guiding players through difficult phases and helping them overcome failures gave me the greatest satisfaction,” she said. Niketha — an English Literature graduate with a master’s in Tourism Management — believes success in sport demands not only skill but also sacrifice. Strong parental support and encouragement from her husband, Vinoth Kumar, an engineer, helped her overcome many challenges. Never one to seek the spotlight, she let her performances speak for themselves, earning respect on the national circuit. Quiet Legacy Today, the landscape has changed dramatically. Young girls are more ambitious, parents more supportive, and cricket is seen as a viable career with opportunities in coaching, umpiring, team management, sports analysis and allied fields. Players like Niketha have quietly strengthened the sport. Their journeys show that some victories are not won under stadium floodlights, but by determined women who simply refused to stop playing.

Financial Tips for Women

Women’s Day is not just a date on the calendar - it is a movement. It is a reminder that women today are taking charge of their careers, money, and personal aspirations like never before. In this journey, financial independence is not a privilege - it is a necessity.


Financial independence is essential for every woman, whether single, married, or retired. Earning money is important, but managing, protecting, and growing that money is equally important.


The Importance of a Financial Advisor

Achieving financial goals and creating wealth is a marathon, not a sprint. No matter which stage of life one is in, the guidance of a well-qualified, full-time financial advisor can make a meaningful difference. While the do-it-yourself approach may appear attractive, it can often prove risky without the required education, experience, expertise and practical wisdom.


Recently Started Earning / Unmarried Women

For women who have recently started earning, the biggest advantage is time. Starting early can create a strong financial foundation for the future. If you have recently started earning or are unmarried, the focus should be on:


• Investing wisely: Begin with simple options like mutual funds and fixed deposits, depending on the time horizon of the goal.


• Prioritising health insurance: A comprehensive health insurance policy ensures that medical emergencies do not erode savings.


• Planning for retirement: Even if other goals are still unclear, retirement remains a universal financial goal and should be started as early as possible.


Married Women

Marriage brings shared responsibilities, and women should play an active role in managing family finances. Important focus areas include:


• Goal-based planning: Plan together for milestones such as buying a home, car, vacations, children’s education, children’s wedding expenses, and retirement.


• Aligning investments with goals: Choose investment avenues based on the time horizon and purpose of each financial goal.


• Building an emergency fund and insurance: Ensure that contingency reserves, life insurance, and health insurance are in place to protect the family.


• Investing in your own name: Women should maintain investments in their own name to strengthen financial independence and long-term security.


Retired Women

For women who are close to retirement or already retired, the priority shifts from wealth creation to preservation, simplicity, and income generation. The focus should be on:


• Ensuring a steady income: Investments should generate a predictable monthly income to comfortably meet regular expenses.


• Consolidating assets: Avoid unnecessary over-diversification and simplify investments for easier tracking and management.


• Balancing liquidity, safety, and growth: Financial decisions should maintain access to funds, protect capital, and still provide enough growth to beat inflation.

Final Thoughts


Women’s Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate achievements, but it is also the right time to encourage every woman to take charge of her financial future.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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