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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.

Firm on The Wicket

Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar is trying his luck once again from the Vandre East Assembly constituency. He had represented his party from this constituency twice since 2014 and hence, one can assume, he is firmly standing on the wicket on his home turf. But, more than that, as the Mumbai unit president of the BJP, he is expected to fetch more seats for the party from the city and looking at his stance, he seems to be firmly in control on that pitch also.


Born on October 3, 1972 at a chawl in central Mumbai, Shelar’s family that hails from Sindhudurg district moved to the western suburb of Bandra while he was very young. Involved in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities since his school days, Shelar’s leadership qualities got a boost as he started working closely in students’ organisation Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), during his college days at Parle College where he pursued a Bachelor ’s degree in Science. Later he gained a law degree from Mumbai University and pursued legal profession.


While pursuing legal profession he also got elected as corporator to BMC and began his career in the politics. After a two-year stint at the state legislative council Shelar contested assembly election in 2014 and defeated Baba Siddiqi of the Congress. Eventually he also became the party president for the Mumbai city and took on the Shiv Sena in municipal elections in 2017. The BJP and the Shiv Sena parted ways in the local body since then.


Being a sports lover himself, Shelar worked to advance a variety of sports. He was elected as the vice president of the Mumbai Cricket Association in June 2015 and later became its president in January 2017. He has also been involved in football administration, serving as the chairman of the Mumbai district football association, which represents over 350 football clubs.


Diligent, enthusiastic and inclusive are the three words that describe him the best, he feels. Known for his dedication to serving the people and making a positive impact in the community. With a strong background in politics and governance, Shelar has become a respected leader and voice for change.

Shelar will have to play a big role in this election. Since he is responsible for the BJP’s performance in Mumbai all eyes will be on his strategy and planning. He could expect a big reward if he delivers. A failure will bring him to the square one.

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