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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.

Over Systemic Bias

The Waqf Bill is more than legislation—it marks a turning point from divisive ideologies to inclusive development and national unity, impacting marginalised communities the most.

After passing from both houses of Parliament, the Waqf Amendment Bill is now going to the President for the purpose of making a law. This bill, the second and biggest and most important after the Universal Common Civil Code, can be said to be the victory of ideology over the working system of a particular person. In our country, different views prevail from time to time regarding ideology. The working style of a political party and the ideology of a person of the same party may be different.


From the time India became independent to the time of the partition of the country, the thinking of the people has been seen to be diverse many times in the entire timeline. From the class considered the devotees of the Father of the Nation, Gandhiji, to the society considered prestigious today, the journey of this ideology has been continuous.


The ideological threads are connected all the way back to the French Revolution. In our country, the most controversy and discord have been noted between the lefties and the right wings, but between these two electric currents flows the society that has been most affected the Dalit society. There have been cases in our country where the entire society has often been victimised in the battle of ideology. Due to the ideology of the Left, it was the turn of suffering, efforts against injustice and justice fell short. After 2014, when the politics of development started, the quality of life of Dalits improved due to their basic needs. In particular, accurate and fruitful work was done on employment, primary facilities, and untouchability.


When one thinks before drinking water from home, a saint like MorariBapu proves that everyone is equal and harmonious in the country. Gandhiji also had special respect for Haribandhu. The policy of divide and rule was not only of the British. The Lefties had disrupted the flow of the ideology of harmony many times by making false announcements. Where there is a question of national interest, there should be no category. Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi has proved this.


The changes brought about by the ease of employment, transparency, and necessary schemes, not only in the Dalit community. There was also a big change in the lives of families living in border areas. The last village of the state or the country became the first village. This was a communication of a positive ideology. Not only Dalits but every society accepted it and showed agreement on the path from public interest to national interest. From the sweeper to the sanitary inspector, from the administrative branch to trade and commerce, the benefits of development and the changes made from the ground up have benefitted everyone, which was not the case under the rule of the Lefties.


There is a big difference between talking and doing effective work during elections. The work starts with the system and the results obtained through joint efforts. have also become much easier now. While expanding the scope of the issue of relaxation, Modi ji gave a new direction to the youth by giving importance to their talent. After that, no matter what class you belong to. Not from Dalit or minority class, if you have skills, this world is yours. The Modi government started providing basic infrastructure, resources, and necessary space.


The time after the year 2016 became like a golden age for art and people with a special style of work. Handicraft fairs were started so that the families running Gujarat from home industries in rural areas could sell their products on a global scale. In which the participation of states increased, geographical limitations did not become a hindrance to any particular art. A new ideology for local to global encouraged every class. In which the youth got a big opportunity. Got big work. Thus changing the quality of life of a family.


Instead of ideological battles, it is an initiative to walk on the path of development through dialogue and peace. Which is not limited to any one society. Where it is a matter of explaining to people who do wrong politics on the issue of religion through legal reforms, it is not right to make society a shield. A country is built through the organisation of society. A country develops when a society develops. Instead of separating into small pieces, the aim of every society should be to come together and contribute to nation-building.


(The author is a professional based in Ahmedabad. Views personal.)

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