Oman cricket coach Kulkarni says Goa tour 'experiment' paid off

Oman cricket team head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni lauded the recent tour of Goa as a highly beneficial exercise, stating it provided more than just a T20 series victory. The team secured the T20 series 2-0 before succumbing 2-1 in the 50-over matches, but Kulkarni stressed that the tour met its broader objectives.

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The series was very competitive, and we gained a lot from it. It was not just about winning or losing. We learned a lot about our players and about where we stand as a team.

"The series was very competitive, and we gained a lot from it," Kulkarni said. "It was not just about winning or losing. We learned a lot about our players and about where we stand as a team." The tour allowed Oman to experiment with different player combinations, manage the workload of key athletes, and expose others to competitive match scenarios.

Kulkarni described the overall approach as an "experiment" that proved successful. He noted that players were rested while opportunities were given to others, acknowledging the settling-in period required for new players. He was particularly impressed by the team's resilience during the T20 series, where several players delivered crucial performances under pressure.

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We rested some players and gave opportunities to others. Naturally, when you bring in players, they need time to settle. But overall, the experiment was successful.

The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even when facing challenges. He also pointed to encouraging individual performances with both bat and ball as Oman continues to seek the optimal team balance across different formats. The lessons learned in Goa are considered vital preparation for the upcoming ACC Men's Premier Cup in Malaysia, starting August 30.

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I always tell the players to stay positive. Even if things do not go your way, don’t worry too much. Keep playing your game and don’t overthink.

Looking ahead, Oman is focused on securing a place in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier. Currently fourth in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 standings, the team is in a strong position for direct qualification to the 2027 World Cup Qualifier. Kulkarni stressed the need to manage the team's small player pool carefully, focusing on player workload, rest, and fitness to maintain their competitive edge.

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Our player pool is small, so we have to look after the players. We have to manage their workload, give them rest when required and make sure that we keep them fit.