BCCI sacks India's batting & fielding coach over poor BGT stint

Following India's crushing defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has wasted no time reshaping the national team's backroom staff. The losses, especially in the red-ball format, have triggered a chain reaction that has seen several key personnel lose their roles.

Among the most high-profile exits is assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who was brought in under head coach Gautam Gambhir just eight months ago. Nayar, known for his sharp cricketing mind and close rapport with several players, is no longer part of the setup. Fielding coach T. Dilip and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai are joining him on the exit list. A team masseur has also been let go, underscoring the seriousness of the shake-up.

The changes come under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, who took over from Rahul Dravid after India’s 2023 World Cup campaign. Gambhir had built a tight coaching team, recruiting several names from the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise — including Nayar, former Dutch captain Ryan ten Doeschate, and former South African pacer Morne Morkel.

While India’s batting frailties against New Zealand and Australia drew criticism, the Champions Trophy win earlier this year served as a brief respite. During that tournament, Sitanshu Kotak — NCA and India A coach — served as the batting coach and remains in the setup for now. His continuity is being viewed as a sign of the BCCI’s intent to balance fresh ideas with experience.

With Nayar and Dilip now out, immediate replacement strategies are already being implemented. Ryan ten Doeschate is expected to double up as the interim fielding coach. There is no official word yet on who will replace Nayar as assistant coach or if BCCI will opt to fill the position at all before the upcoming five-Test home series against England, beginning June 20.