Former India Cricketer Dodda Ganesh Named Kenya Head Coach

Kenya cricket team has appointed former India fast bowler Dodda Ganesh as their new head coach. Ganesh, a right-arm pacer, played four Tests and an ODI and took five wickets in them.

“Privileged to be named the head coach of the Kenya cricket team,” Ganesh posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Ganesh has been given a one-year contract as of now.

“My first vision is to qualify for the World Cup,” Ganesh was quoted as saying by Nation after being unveiled at the Sikh Union Club.

So far, Kenya have played in four ODI World Cups (1996, 1999, 2003 and 2011) and a T20 World Cup (2007). Their best performance at the global event came in 2002 when they reached the semifinals.

“Kenya participated in the World Cup in 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011. I saw the dedication and the hard work. I don’t know what happened between the 10 years to now, but I do not want to talk about history. Positively what I see is that Kenyans are champions,” Ganesh said.

Ganesh played domestic cricket for Karnataka and took 365 wickets in 104 first-class matches at an average of 29.42 including 20 five-wicket hauls. He also played 89 List A games and took 128 at 27.11.

Kenya will return to action with the ICC World Cup Challenge League in September at home. The  competition will also feature the likes of Papua New Guinea, Denmark, Kuwait, Jersey and Qatar.

“I’m a professional coach and before coming here, I went to YouTube to watch the bowlers and batsmen, and I can say that they are in good shape,” the 51-year-old said of his first assignment as Kenya coach.