Former India batsman Woorkeri Venkat Raman was appointed as head coach of the women’s cricket team, ending a lengthy period of acrimony and uncertainty in the women’s game.

Former South African opener Gary Kirsten was the top choice but wasn’t selected as he has an IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore which he doesn’t wish to end.

Raman, who played 11 Tests for India, replaces former off-spinner Ramesh Powar whose term ended last month after Indian batting star Mithali Raj accused him of bias. Powar in turn accused Raj of trying to pressurise the management.

The controversy started after Raj, the top run-scorer in the women’s game, was left out of the team for the semi-final against England in the recently concluded World T20. India lost the match by eight wickets.

Raman  – the fourth coach of the women’s team in 20 months – tweeted: “Thanks you all folks, for the wishes and your kind words. Means a lot.”

The 53-year-old is seen as one of the sharpest cricketing brains in the country who also has coaching experience in the domestic circuit.