Avdhut Dandekar: From Maharashtra’s Ranji Cricketer to an International Cricket Coach

Some journeys in cricket are built on talent. Others are built on perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the game. Avdhut Dandekar’s story is a perfect blend of all three.

A former Maharashtra cricketer who proudly represented the state across multiple domestic tournaments, Avdhut has seamlessly transitioned from being a dependable player to becoming a respected coach. Today, his coaching expertise is making an impact not just in India but on the international stage as well.

His latest achievement came when he was appointed as the High Performance Batting Coach for the Indonesia Senior Men’s International Cricket Team during a 15-day high-performance camp held in Bali. Working with an international squad marked another significant milestone in his coaching career and reflected the growing recognition of Indian coaching talent worldwide.

Before earning recognition as a coach, Avdhut built an impressive playing career with Maharashtra. He represented the state in the Ranji Trophy during the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons, fulfilling a dream that began years earlier when he was selected for the Maharashtra Ranji squad as a young cricketer. His dedication and consistent performances earned him opportunities at the highest level of domestic cricket.

His journey also includes representing Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons. Earlier in his career, he played a crucial role for Maharashtra in the Colonel C.K. Naidu Trophy, where he was part of the championship-winning team in 2013-14. One of the most remarkable phases of his career came during the Naidu Trophy, when he scored four consecutive centuries and finished the 2012-13 C.K. season. His consistency played a key role in helping Maharashtra qualify for the knockout stage and ultimately earned him selection to the Maharashtra Ranji Trophy squad, marking a defining moment in his cricketing journey.

Avdhut’s experience extended beyond Indian domestic cricket. He spent five seasons playing County Cricket in the Belfast League’s Section 1, where he gained valuable exposure to different playing conditions, cultures, and competitive environments. Those experiences further shaped his understanding of the game and later proved invaluable in his coaching career.

He also showcased his talent in franchise cricket by representing multiple teams in the Maharashtra Premier League, including Solapur Royals, Pratapgad Warriors, and Shivneri Lions across different seasons. Competing alongside some of Maharashtra’s finest players helped him further develop his game and leadership qualities.

Following his successful playing career, Avdhut shifted his focus towards developing the next generation of cricketers. He currently serves as the Head of Department Cricket (PAN India) for VIBGYOR International School, where he oversees cricket development programs across the country. His role goes beyond coaching players, as he also mentors coaches, builds structured training systems, and helps create pathways for young talent.

He also served as the Assistant Coach of Puneri Bappa during the 2024-25 Maharashtra Premier League, contributing to one of Maharashtra’s premier franchise teams and continuing to strengthen his credentials in elite-level coaching.

Avdhut’s passion for nurturing young cricketers is further reflected in his role as a Founder Member of Sahara Cricket Academy, where he has been instrumental in building an environment focused on skill development, discipline, and long-term player growth.

What makes Avdhut Dandekar’s journey truly inspiring is the way he has evolved with the game. From scoring runs for Maharashtra to wearing the Ranji cap with pride, from competing overseas to now guiding international cricketers, every phase of his career has been driven by hard work and a desire to keep learning.

Today, whether he is mentoring young cricketers in India, working with professional franchise teams, or coaching an international side, Avdhut continues to represent Indian cricket with pride. His journey stands as a reminder that while playing careers may eventually come to an end, the opportunity to shape the future of the game has no finish line.