The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Sitanshu Kotak as India’s new batting coach, opting for a seasoned domestic cricket stalwart over high-profile international names. Kotak’s tenure will begin with the home white-ball series against England, starting January 22, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs.
BCCI’s Decision Amid Rising Concerns
Amid mounting criticism following India’s batting struggles during the home series against New Zealand and the 1-3 defeat in Australia, the BCCI decided to bring in a specialist batting coach. Although former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen had expressed interest in the role, the board chose Kotak for his deep-rooted understanding of Indian cricket.
India’s current coaching team, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, includes bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip, and assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. Until now, Gambhir and Nayar had primarily focused on batting, but the recent performances highlighted the need for dedicated expertise in this area.
Kotak to Join Ahead of Champions Trophy
According to reports, Kotak will officially take charge before the highly anticipated Champions Trophy. The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav for the T20I series, is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on January 18 for a three-day preparatory camp ahead of the first match.
A BCCI source stated, “Kotak will join the Indian team as the batting coach, and players will report for the camp on January 18 in Kolkata.”
Kotak’s Impressive Coaching Credentials
Sitanshu Kotak, 52, is a revered figure in Indian domestic cricket. As a former captain of Saurashtra, he amassed 8061 runs in 130 first-class matches at an impressive average of 47.16, with 15 centuries and 55 fifties. In List A cricket, he scored 3083 runs at an average of 42.33.
After retiring in 2013, Kotak transitioned into coaching, guiding Saurashtra and later serving as the batting coach at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He also worked as an assistant coach for the Gujarat Lions during their IPL stint.
In recent years, Kotak played a key role as India A’s batting coach, with his latest assignment being the team’s tour of Australia. Additionally, he served as the interim head coach for the Indian team during their T20I series in Ireland in August 2023.
A Strategic Move for Indian Cricket
With his vast experience and strong credentials, Kotak’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster India’s batting lineup. As the team prepares for the England series and the Champions Trophy, Kotak’s guidance is expected to bring much-needed technical and mental clarity to the players.
