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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.

Hyundai Motor IPO - Good for Long Term?

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor IPO has opened for subscription on October 15, 2024 and will close on October 17, 2024. The allotment for the Hyundai Motor IPO is expected to be finalized on Friday, October 18, 2024. It is planned to list on the BSE and NSE with a tentative listing date set for Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Hyundai Motor IPO is a book built issue of Rs 27,870.16 crores. The issue is entirely an offer for sale of 14.22 crore shares, therefore the company will not receive any proceeds from the sale.


The IPO’s price band is set between Rs. 1865 to Rs. 1960 per share. Applicants are required to buy minimum of 7 shares to qualify for the offer. Retail investors are expected to invest a minimum of Rs. 13,720. Additionally, employees of Hyundai Motors will enjoy a discount of Rs. 186 per share.


Established in May 1996, Hyundai Motor India Limited is a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group, ranking as the third-largest original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) globally in terms of passenger vehicle sales. As of March 31, 2024, the company has successfully sold nearly 12 million passenger vehicles in India, in addition to exports.


The company specializes in the production and distribution of four-wheeler passenger vehicles, including models such as sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and electric vehicles (EVs). By December 31, 2023, Hyundai Motor India had established partnerships with 363 dealer companies for distribution and sales across India. Holding a 15% market share in India and boasting leading EBITDA margins of 13.8% in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025, Hyundai is well-positioned for continued expansion.


Let’s now examine the financial performance of the company. Hyundai Motors India Ltd. has demonstrated a revenue and profit after tax growth rate of 19% CAGR and 48% CAGR over the past three years.


The company maintains a low debt position, with a debt to equity ratio below 0.1, and has an average return on equity of 27% over last 3 years (source - screener). At the upper end of the price band, this IPO is available at a P/E ratio of 26.3, indicating it is fairly valued.

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