Former top-order batter Ganesh Satish returns home as U-23 team coach

BENGALURU: Before Ganesh Satish became part of Vidarbha’s cricketing folklore as a vital cog in the team’s transformation from also-rans to champions, he was an integral member of one of Karnataka cricket’s most successful phases — a period that unearthed talent which served the state with distinction.His departure from Karnataka after the 2013-14 season, despite playing a key role in the Ranji Trophy title triumph — including a century in the final — was on a bitter note. But in hindsight, that move perhaps shaped him into a better cricketer and individual.

After calling time on his illustrious domestic career following a stint with Tripura in the 2023-24 season, the 37-year-old has turned to coaching.On Thursday, at the KSCA Alur Stadium, the former top-order batter will begin a new chapter, making his debut as a Karnataka U-23 in the Col CK Nayudu Trophy.

Roped in to replace Somashekar Shiraguppi mid-season, Ganesh’s first assignment will be against Chandigarh. While the former champions are perched atop Group D with three matches remaining, his biggest challenge will be to iron out the team’s inconsistency.On his homecoming, Ganesh told TOI, “It feels good to come back to my home state. This is where I started my cricket journey, and I’m excited to be part of the setup again.”

Though leading the state U-23 side is his most significant coaching assignment so far, the foundations were laid during his playing days. “In the last two to three years with Vidarbha, while I was still playing, I enjoyed mentoring youngsters in the team. It felt like a natural progression to move to coaching,” said Ganesh, who has also captained Vidarbha. “I started coaching at a private academy about a year-and-a-half ago and have also worked in franchise cricket in Karnataka and Vidarbha.

”Taking over a team midway through a season is never straightforward, but Ganesh believes it comes with the territory. “As a former cricketer, I’ve always followed the team and the scores, so the familiarity was there. What I needed to understand was the individuals — how they are off the field. On the field, I’ve watched many of them in the Maharaja Trophy and in junior cricket. It was about knowing the person behind the cricketer.

”He also leaned on insights from former teammates now part of the coaching ecosystem. “I spoke to KB Pawan, who has coached most of these boys at the U-19 level. Deepak Chougule (assistant coach) has worked with several teams here, and his experience has been invaluable.”Adding to Ganesh’s comfort is the rapport he shares with the selection panel, particularly chairman Amit Verma and Sunil Raju — both former teammates.

The task ahead, however, is delicate — preparing players as feeders for the Ranji Trophy side while staying focused on immediate results.“I’m more than happy if a few of these boys graduate to the Ranji Trophy team,” said Ganesh, who represented India at the U-19 level. “What we need to build is a culture and a way of playing cricket so that anyone who comes in can slot in seamlessly. We aim to ensure that five or six players consistently make the step up to the senior team.”With a resume boasting 113 first-class matches and 7,084 runs, Ganesh is well-placed to be an effective mentor for Karnataka’s next generation.