Oman head coach Kulkarni eyes 'checklist' series against Goa side

Oman's national cricket team head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni views the upcoming five-match white-ball series against India's Goa Ranji Trophy squad as a vital "checklist" and exposure opportunity. The series, scheduled from August 10 to 17 in Muscat, will feature two T20 matches and three 50-over contests. Kulkarni stated the matches will help the team management identify players who fit into Oman's plans for major upcoming international assignments, including the ACC Premier Cup 2026 in Malaysia and the remaining legs of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. "This is the checklist and exposure series for us, so we will try to check the players whom we're looking for," Kulkarni said. "This will help us build the team for the upcoming ACC Premier Cup and the remaining two League 2 series. Goa is a good team and did well in white-ball cricket in India. They have quite a few experienced players and I'm sure it will be a great series." The series also marks the first major assignment for Vinayak Shukla as Oman captain, succeeding Jatinder Singh. Oman is currently fourth in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 standings and needs to finish in the top four to advance to the final round qualifier for the 2027 ODI World Cup. This tour is Goa's first overseas exposure in 14 years.

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This is the checklist and exposure series for us, so we will try to check the players whom we're looking for. This will help us build the team for the upcoming ACC Premier Cup and the remaining two League 2 series. Goa is a good team and did well in white-ball cricket in India. They have quite a few experienced players and I'm sure it will be a great series.