According to ANI, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unhappy with Kolkata Knight Riders' “influence” in the team's management. BCCI brought in Sitanshu Kotak as the new batting coach due to concerns over Gautam Gambhir's assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate.
Notably, the BCCI has not appointed a specialist batting coach under Gautam Gambhir. Abhishek Nayar took it upon himself to focus on the batsmen. However, India struggled in the batting during the home series against New Zealand and the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia.
The coaching staff faced heavy criticism. Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has questioned the effectiveness of the support staff, blaming them for persistent technical lapses, especially with players like Virat Kohli. The Men in Blue suffered a whitewash against New Zealand and a 1-3 series loss to Australia.
BCCI reportedly unhappy with Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate
According to a report in PTI, Abhishek Nayar's role in India's coaching staff may be temporary after India's poor performance in recent series. The report added that Nayar is likely to be part of the coaching set-up due to the influence of a senior player, but the name of the player has not been revealed.
“It is clear that Abhishek Nayar's expertise is not helping the players. Kotak has been a specialist batting coach for a long time and has also got the confidence of the players,” a senior BCCI official told PTI in conditions of anonymity.
Sitanshu Kotak's first assignment – Five-match T20I series against England
National Cricket Academy and India A experienced Sitanshu Kotak has been named in the Indian coaching staff following doubts over Abhishek Nayar.
Kotak has built trust with the players, including his successful spell with the India A team and a recent tour of Australia. His first assignment will be the five-match T20I series against England starting January 22. This appointment could be temporary as the next major series against England is still months away.
“We have a shadow tour in India A and Kotak normally handles the A team. He is a Level 3 qualified coach and has assisted VVS Laxman in the past and was also the head coach when India toured Ireland last year . Since he is NCA staff, he can be put anywhere,” the source added.
The BCCI is preparing to implement stricter protocols during Team India's tours
Under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL 2024 title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, Gambhir's tenure as India's head coach has had mixed results, with multiple losses in ODIs and Tests.
Following India's disappointing performance in the BGT, the BCCI is tightening its regulations for players. A recent report from ESPNcricinfo reveals that the BCCI plans to implement stricter protocols during Team India's tours, including limiting players' time with their families and banning independent transport.
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