Enjoyed my tenure with Vidarbha: Kulkarni

NAGPUR: Sulakshan Kulkarni is a happy soul now. He played all his life for Mumbai and when he started his coaching career, it was his dream to coach the team for which he has won many championships. Before beginning his new innings, Kulkarni opened his mind on various issues to TOI.
EXCERPTS
Was it a difficult decision to leave Vidarbha?
It was a professional decision.I would be lying if I say I didn't have a dream of coaching Mumbai. But I enjoyed my tenure with Vidarbha. It was a happy dressing room. We were enjoying each other's company. Had I not got the opportunity to coach Vidarbha Ranji team, I would not have got this chance. So, I owe this to VCA.
Are you satisfied with the team's performance in the last two years?
I tried to get the best out of every player. I still feel we could have done better but the players have improved a lot and they have shown great attitude. This team is going in a right direction and the players have it in them to go the distance. Umesh is already playing at a good level. Players like Akshay Kolar, Shalabh Shrivastava, Ravi Jangid, Shreekant Wagh and Sumit Ruikar have come a long way. I feel Wagh has a potential to play at the highest level.
There are media reports of you being not satisfied with VCA officials. Your take on this.
I have always talked about the development of the game. It may be the difference of opinion but I never had any altercation with anybody in the last two years. In fact, former president Sudhir Dabir, Prakash Dixit, Prashant Vaidya, and Adwait Manohar were very supportive. Whenever I needed something, they made sure I get it at the earliest. If the opportunity comes, I would again like to work with VCA.
Your views on professional players hired by VCA. Two of them are going through a rough patch.
If you have played cricket for 15-20 years, you are bound to go through ups and downs. We have to keep this in mind that both Sairaj (Bahutule) and (Shiv Sundar) Das are quality players. I am sure they will deliver. With average last two-three seasons, they would be itching to prove their critics wrong. If they click, Vidarbha will go distance this season. It's not only about performance, their presence in the dressing room will help the youngsters.
Kulkarni's contribution to Vidarbha cricket
1) Guided Under-19 team to Vinoo Mankad One-day Trophy semifinal in 2009
2) Shailesh Bhondekar, in his first BCCI season, was picked for India Under-19
3) Leg-spinner Ishan Sathe was selected in India probables
4) Vidarbha emerged Central Zone Vijay Hazare One-day Trophy and eventually made it to the semis
5) Vidarbha finished runners-up in the Central Zone Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 Trophy
6) Vidarbha did well in all other invitational tournaments like KSCA, Buchi Babu, Moinuddowlah Gold Cup tournaments in the last two years.
7) Inculcated fighting qualities in players and changed their mindset.