Former Indian off-spinner M. Venkataramana has been designated as the head coach for the Kerala senior men’s cricket team during the 2023-24 domestic season, an announcement made on Tuesday.

Having previously served as the coach for the Tamil Nadu squad in the 2021-23 seasons, Venkataramana will assume the role previously held by former Indian seam bowler Tinu Yohannan.

With experience representing India in both a Test match and an ODI, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) stated in their release that Venkataramana’s tenure would extend for a span of two years. Additionally, Venkataramana led the South Zone team in the Duleep Trophy last year, guiding them to a runner-up finish.

During Tinu Yohannan’s term since mid-2020, Kerala’s notable achievements included quarterfinal appearances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (twice) and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However, they narrowly missed securing knockout berths in consecutive Ranji Trophy seasons.

Venkataramana’s initial task with the senior Kerala team is expected to be in the Buchi Babu tournament, scheduled to take place across various venues in Tamil Nadu from August 15th.