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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.

India’s Diplomatic Role in Escalating Global Conflicts

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

India’s Diplomatic Role

The world is deeply concerned about peace, especially with two ongoing conflicts–the Russia-Ukraine war and the one between Israel and its foes. Amidst the ongoing tensions, India has good relations with all the conflicting nations, like Russia, Ukraine, the US, Europe, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and the entire Arab world. Recently, there have been rumours of an amicable truce with China, which could open the floodgates for mutual trade. As a result, India is being welcomed by all.

President Vladimir Putin’s recent remarks, where he stated that Russia would consider an attack from a non-nuclear state that was backed by a nuclear-armed one to be a “joint attack,” have raised eyebrows. Does this imply a threat of using nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine? On Wednesday, September 25, Putin said his government was considering changing the rules and preconditions around which Russia would use its nuclear arsenal. In response to this threat, Zelensky is expected to receive an additional supply of lethal weapons that could pose a threat to the heart of Russia. US President Joe Biden is in favour of continuing aid to Ukraine as a last effort to support it during the final months of his tenure. A lot depends on the upcoming elections in the US. If Kamla Harris gets elected, this policy will continue, and if Trump wins, the aid to Ukraine will immediately stop. Zelensky visited the US, frantically and desperately trying to extract maximum help from Trump. On the other hand, Putin may be manoeuvring behind the scenes to ensure Trump’s success.

What’s interesting to see is how India is reacting to all of this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is emerging as a mediator and peace broker. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General and reiterated India’s support for an early resolution of the conflict and the restoration of peace and stability in the region. A losing side (Ukraine) cannot dictate terms for the truce; hence, Ukraine is left with no option but to compromise unless there is a miracle that has the potential to create a turnaround of events. PM Modi advised Zelensky that war cannot be stopped on his terms, but it can only stop if he is ready for a ‘resolution.’

What potential solutions could Ukraine adopt?

  • Pledging not to join NATO

  • Concede Crimea, occupied by Russia at the beginning of this war, as part of Russia.

  • Not to have a defence treaty with the US or any of the NATO countries.

  • Zelensky should resign, and a new head must be appointed on Russia’s recommendation.

Accepting some or all of these terms could effectively make Ukraine a subordinate nation to Russia. Modi, along with the active participation of External Affairs Minister S. Jayshankar, could play a crucial role in devising a solution acceptable to both sides while safeguarding the dignity and pride of each–a highly challenging task.

Many global leaders, from China’s Xi Jinping to Erdogan of Turkey, have attempted a similar strategy, but nothing has come to fruition yet. These two leaders are arms suppliers to Russia, and Ukraine finds it impossible to accept any suggestions from such mediators.

India continues to have trade relations with Russia despite US sanctions and provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but does not export arms to either one of them. This makes Modi acceptable to both sides.

Israel-Lebanon conflict

In the second major conflict involving Israel and its adversaries, Netanyahu is conducting airstrikes against Lebanon and is now escalating ground operations. Lebanon is aware that the only power that can deter Israel is the US. However, the US continues to supply shipments of arms and ammunition to Israel. Multiple nations, including India, have appealed for a ceasefire. However, Netanyahu is in no mood to arrive at a peaceful solution.

Meanwhile, the US has made little effort to restrain Netanyahu. Anticipating a large-scale war, many nations have issued advisories to their nationals. India too has issued three such advisories in the last 48 hours for its citizens to leave Lebanon. Similar to the situation of the Russia-Ukraine war, India shares good relations with Israel and the Arab world. In many Arab countries, Modi has been conferred with the highest civilian award. In the UN general assembly, India abstained whenever a resolution condemning Israel was moved and kept supporting the cause of Palestine to exist.

Having said that, much depends on the fulcrum of the US presidential election, which is around the corner.

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