Former India fast-bowler Dodda Ganesh was appointed the head coach of the Kenya cricket team at the Sikh Union Club yesterday (August 13).
Ganesh was a familiar name in the Indian domestic circuit, having taken 365 first-class and 128 List A wickets. He was also a more than capable lower-order batter, amassing 2023 runs in 133 first-class innings, including a century and seven fifties to his name. He represented India in four Tests and an ODI all in 1997, taking six wickets across formats.
A viral post on social media showed Ganesh being formally appointed as Kenya’s new head coach. He reposted the clip on X (formerly Twitter), showing his gratitude.
Privileged to be named the head coach of the Kenya cricket team. https://t.co/SHVUFFjzrL
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) August 14, 2024
The former India pacer took over from former Kenyan international Lameck Onyango, who had been the interim head coach. Onyango, along with Joseph Angara and Joseph Asichi will remain part of the coaching staff.
Ganesh’s tenure will start with the ICC Division 2 Challenge League in September and the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers in October. Kenya will be pit against Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Jersey and Denmark in the Challenge League.
Ganesh sets sights on 2026 T20 World Cup
Upon his signing, Ganesh made it clear that his primary aim would be to ensure Kenya’s qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
"My first vision is to qualify for the World Cup. I’ve seen the dedication and hard work among the players. I’m not interested in the past, but I firmly believe that Kenyans possess the spirit of champions. I’ve been watching Kenyan cricket matches on YouTube, and I’m impressed with the talent I see. It’s evident that the players are in good shape," said Ganesh.
Kenya were part of five successive ODI World Cups between 1996 and 2011, including a semi-final run in 2003. They also participated in three Champions Trophy editions from 2000 to 2004 but lost their ODI status in 2014, having finished outside the top four in the Global Qualifier that year.
Image credit: X / @namination254
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