Doddapaneni Kalyan Krishna appointed as Andhra's director of cricket operations
New Delhi, July 1
Former Andhra pacer Doddapaneni Kalyankrishna has been appointed as the state's Director of Cricket Operations, said the Andhra Cricket Association on Wednesday.
Kalyan Krishna, who played 51 first-class games, 42 List A matches and 16 T20 games and picked 217 scalps overall, will be leading the charge of strengthening cricket operations and driving future growth in the state's cricketing ecosystem.
The appointment was confirmed by ACA at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mangalagiri. "The ACA looks forward to his visionary leadership in strengthening our cricket operations and driving sustainable future growth for the sport in the region," said the ACA in its statement.
Speaking to IANS, Kalyan Krishna, who was in the now-defunct Deccan Chargers set-up in IPL 2008 and has been a regular broadcaster on Star Sports Telugu feed, thanked ACA President Kesineni Sivanath and Secretary Sana Sathish Babu for appointing him to the role.
"I am very grateful to the President and Secretary of the ACA for the faith they have shown in me in appointing me to this role. I was there in the Andhra team as a player and now I am back with the set-up in an off-field role. It's a dream for every player to give back to the game after the end of playing time and I am very fortunate to be in a position to do so now," he said.
Kalyan Krishna also will be working with Gary Stead, the Andhra head coach, to formulate strategy for the 2026/27 domestic season. "It's like a career shift for me - I have made a good reputation so far as a commentator at Star Sports and now to take up this role, it's a very big challenge for me
"But I am sure I will do full justice to it and will continue to expand the good work done by ACA so far in spreading the sport's reach in the state in both men's and women's cricket and produce more players who can go on to represent India," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good appointment but I hope the ACA focuses on improving infrastructure in rural areas too. Many talented players from small towns in Andhra can't afford proper coaching or access to quality grounds. Kalyan Krishna should prioritize this along with strategy.
Interesting move! He's worked as a commentator for Telugu audiences, so he understands the local cricket culture well. But I hope his appointment isn't just political - ACA needs transparent selection processes. Still, wishing him all the best! 🙏
Very proud moment for Andhra cricket! Kalyan Krishna played for Deccan Chargers in the first IPL season, so he knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. Working with Gary Stead is a smart move - Kiwi coaches have a good track record in India. Excited for the upcoming domestic season! 🇮🇳
The comment about giving back to the game is touching - every player dreams of this. But I'm a bit skeptical about the 'visionary leadership' claims. Let's wait and see actual results in terms of player development and match performances. Actions speak louder than words.
Wonderful news! Andhra has produced some fine cricketers like Hanuma Vihari and KS Bharat. This appointment shows ACA is serious about building a strong pipeline. Kalyan Krishna knows the local system inside out - from player to broadcaster. All the best for this new innings! 🔥
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