Shashank Shekhar
Not every cricketer keeps the passion for the game alive after his playing days are over. For some, however, cricket is more than a sport – it is a way of life and a lifelong commitment.
Sandesh Dhuri is one such cricketer who, having played First-Class cricket for Goa, represented the Oman national team, became a highly qualified coach and educator and a key person in the development of cricket in Oman.
Sandesh, a wicketkeeper-batsman, played in the prestigious Ranji Trophy for the state team of Goa from 1993 to 1998. In 1997, he was also selected to represent the South Zone in both the Duleep and Deodhar Trophy tournaments where he played under the leadership of legends like WV Raman and Robin Singh.
In 1998, he moved to Oman, where he represented Khimji Ramdas Club and later played for the Oman national team in 2006 during their tour to Malaysia under the coaching of batting great Sandeep Patil.
Having achieved impressive success on the pitch, Sandesh moved to the coaching arena. A man of deep focus and willpower, Sandesh attained the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Level 3 coaching certificate which led to him serving as an ACC Course Educator in Oman. He is also an International Cricket Council Level 1 coach and a Level 4 Elite High Performance Coach under legendary player and coach Gary Kirsten’s CoachED platform.
No surprise, Sandesh was named Elite Coach with the Oman A side. He also conducted a High Performance U-19 camp in 2023 under the mentorship of Kirsten.
Sandesh had so much on his plate but his zeal and vision kept pushing him to find new challenges and new milestones. Expanding his horizon beyond cricket, Sandesh co-founded Bosher Olympic Centre in Muscat, offering training facilities for cricket, football, basketball, and hockey. Since 2014, Sandesh has led BSC on international cricket tours to the UAE, India, Sri Lanka, England, Australia, and the USA, providing young cricketers global exposure.
Currently, Sandesh is developing youth cricket in the Dallas, USA since March 2024. In May 2024, he volunteered during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches hosted in Dallas, gaining exposure to international-level operations.
Beyond his coaching expertise, Sandesh is a passionate advocate for the role of sports in youth development. Sandesh has also ensured that love for sport runs in the family — both his children are first-class cricketers in the USA.
Amazingly, despite his all-consuming passion for cricket, Sandesh has still managed to demonstrate professional excellence in the IT sector while serving multinational corporations in Oman.
A lowdown on Sandesh Dhuri’s career
*Born: October 26, 1972 in Chicalim, Goa
*Played First-Class cricket for Goa from 1993 to 1998 as wicketkeeper-batsman
*Played for South Zone in the Duleep and Deodhar Trophy in 1997
*Moved to Oman in 1998, represented Oman national team in 2006
*ACC Level 3 Accredited Coach as well as ICC Level 1
*Level 4 Elite High Performance Coach under Gary Kirsten’s CoachED platform
*Appointed Elite Coach with the Oman A national team and conducted a High Performance U19 camp in 2023 under the mentorship of Gary Kirsten.
*Co-founded Bosher Olympic Centre in Muscat, offering training for cricket, football, basketball, and hockey
*In 2023, led the first-ever Gulf-based academy tour to the USA, playing matches across Dallas and Houston
*Currently, promoting and developing youth cricket in Dallas, USA since March 2024.
*As head coach of Texas Cricket Club (TCC), led the team to multiple accolades including USA Junior League Championship in Houston.
*Is a renowned IT professional, serving multinational corporations in Oman.
