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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.

Trump's Win Could Be India’s Gain

Trump's Win Could Be India’s Gain

The U.S., known for innovation, has a high demand for skilled IT professionals. Indian IT experts, valued for their skills and work ethic, are highly sought after in the U.S. As more U.S. companies rely on technology, demand for talent in development and support roles is likely to increase under Trump. This presents a strong opportunity for Indian IT professionals who not only contribute to U.S. businesses but also strengthen U.S.-India relations. Trump may prioritise American workers, but Indian professionals, known for flexibility and resilience, may still find opportunities.


Currently, most large IT professionals are legal immigrants and should not face any issues. Companies have figured out how to navigate this issue for a long time. They have a mix of hiring, including employees who work with clients in Global Capability Centres, or GCCs, based out of India in US shift time to serve US clients. Hence, there will be no impact on hiring, and it’s cheaper for companies to get remote support than hiring locals in the US.


In recent years, the U.S. has shared defence equipment and technology with India, including plans to manufacture jet engines and drones domestically. India’s push in trade and energy investment should further strengthen ties under Trump. The U.S.-India partnership in AI, fueled by India’s ambitious youth, is expected to create more job opportunities in India. As for trade between the two nations, Trump's previous tenure as President offers valuable insights.


During Trump’s first term, he fostered strong ties with PM Modi, including lower tariffs for U.S. companies. A second term could bring a beneficial free trade agreement for India.


The White House’s welcome of Modi last year underscored joint efforts to counter China’s influence, as global challenges require India-U.S. collaboration. Modiji is seeking to raise the status of India, the world’s most populous young country and the fifth-largest economy, as the world’s manufacturing and diplomatic powerhouse. This is the reason why the USA announced a few deals, some aimed at diversifying supply chains to reduce dependence on China. While others are aimed at cornering the market with advanced technologies that may feature on the battlefield of the future.


While Trump’s win is expected to benefit the IT sector and trade, it may bring challenges for IT professionals, particularly of H1B visas and immigration laws. Trump’s return could mean stricter scrutiny on visa applications, though H1B visa allocations are not expected to be reduced. With proper documentation and strong professional skills, visa stamping should remain achievable, despite heightened scrutiny.


According to last year’s data, about 80,000 IT professionals in the U.S. are unemployed and are keen on staying in the country. However, the shift towards remote work has enabled IT companies to support remote delivery, potentially expanding job opportunities for professionals in India. With Trump’s policies, the job market may open further, creating more remote roles for IT workers in India.


India maintains strong relations with both Democrats and Republicans, so strengthening ties between the two countries should not face any major obstacles.


Trump’s firm stance on business, trade, and tariffs could pose challenges, but his tough approach to China aligns with India’s efforts to counter China’s influence. Additionally, Trump may work to ease tensions between Canada and India, potentially boosting trade opportunities between these countries.


Globally, a Trump victory could boost trade and foreign direct investment from the U.S. to India. His policies will likely promote peace in the Middle East, stability in Asia, and expedited approval for key projects. Additionally, his core team members have maintained a positive stance towards India, with no known affiliations to anti-India positions. These factors could contribute to India’s growth, strengthened further by the friendship between Trump and Prime Minister Modi.


(The author is IT professional. He has written a book, USA Calling.)

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