The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a significant change in the coaching staff ahead of the home limited-overs series against England and the upcoming Champions Trophy. Former Saurashtra batter Sitanshu Kotak has been named India’s new batting coach, replacing Abhishek Nayar, who has come under criticism following the team’s disappointing performances in recent series.
Nayar’s Performance Questioned
Abhishek Nayar, who had been handling the batting responsibilities under assistant coach Gautam Gambhir, has been in the spotlight after India’s lackluster outings with the bat during the tours of New Zealand and Australia. The persistent technical issues among Indian batters, highlighted by legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, raised questions about the efficacy of the coaching staff. Gavaskar had called for greater accountability, particularly for the struggles of players like Virat Kohli.
A report from PTI suggested that Nayar’s future in the Indian setup is uncertain and may hinge on the presence of an influential senior player who played a role in his appointment. While the player’s identity remains undisclosed, the situation underscores the growing concerns about Nayar’s ability to address the team’s batting woes.
Why Sitanshu Kotak Was Chosen
Kotak, a 52-year-old veteran with extensive coaching experience, has been part of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for several years, serving as a batting coach and recently leading the India A team. Known for his technical expertise and rapport with players, Kotak’s appointment aims to bring stability and effectiveness to India’s batting preparations.
A senior BCCI official noted, “Kotak has a proven track record as a specialist batting coach and enjoys the trust of the players. With doubts over Nayar’s potential, Kotak’s addition to the coaching setup was a logical decision.”
Kotak’s Immediate Assignment
Kotak’s first challenge will be the five-match T20I series against England, starting January 22. This appointment could be temporary, as India’s next away series, against England in June, is still months away. Kotak’s recent experience, including coaching the India A team on their Australia tour and assisting VVS Laxman, makes him a suitable choice for the current demands.
“We have an India A shadow tour, and Kotak usually manages the A team. He’s a qualified Level 3 coach and has previously led the team during their tour of Ireland. Being part of the NCA staff allows flexibility in his assignments,” added the official.
The Road Ahead
As the BCCI looks to address the technical shortcomings in the batting department, Kotak’s appointment reflects a step toward strengthening the coaching framework. Whether this change leads to long-term improvements or remains a short-term fix will depend on the results of the upcoming series and the performance of Indian batters under his guidance.
