In the wake of India’s disappointing batting performances in their recent Test series against New Zealand and Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a significant coaching change. On Thursday, the BCCI announced the appointment of Sitanshu Kotak as the new batting coach for Team India ahead of the limited-overs series against England and the upcoming Champions Trophy next month. This move comes after a thorough review of the performance of the Indian team, particularly under the guidance of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.

The Need for Change: Scrutiny of Abhishek Nayar’s Role

The decision to appoint Kotak follows scrutiny of Abhishek Nayar’s coaching during India’s recent tour of Australia. According to a senior BCCI official, it became apparent that Nayar’s expertise was not yielding the desired results with the players. “It is clear that Abhishek Nayar’s expertise isn’t helping the players,” the official said, explaining that Kotak, with his extensive experience, would be better suited to guide India’s struggling batting lineup.

Sitanshu Kotak: A Trusted Figure in Indian Cricket

Kotak, who has been an integral part of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), is a highly regarded batting coach. Having worked with various age-group teams, including the India A side, he has earned the trust of both the players and the cricketing community. Kotak’s appointment comes after his successful stint with the India A team, where he was pivotal in shaping the batting approach of the emerging talents.

Kotak’s extensive coaching experience spans over several years, including his role as the head coach of India A during their tours of Bangladesh, South Africa, and Australia. Kotak also previously served as the head coach for the Indian team that toured Ireland for a T20I series in August 2023, as well as assisting former cricketer VVS Laxman in his coaching endeavours.

Kotak’s Coaching Credentials and Domestic Career

At 52 years old, Kotak brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the coaching staff. A former left-handed batter, Kotak had a successful domestic cricket career spanning from 1992 to 2013, scoring 8,061 runs in 130 first-class matches. With an average of 41.76, Kotak was known for his consistency, notching up 15 centuries and 55 half-centuries.

After retiring from professional cricket, Kotak transitioned into coaching and quickly gained recognition for his work at the NCA. His appointment as the head coach for the India A team for the past four years solidified his reputation. He is a certified Level 3 coach, a qualification that further bolsters his ability to manage top-tier players.

Kotak’s Future Plans with Team India

With the Champions Trophy and the England series fast approaching, Kotak’s experience with the India A team and his success as a batting coach make him a strong addition to the senior team’s coaching staff. His familiarity with the players and understanding of their batting techniques are expected to provide much-needed support and guidance as India seeks to improve its batting performances in the shorter formats of the game.

Kotak’s appointment signals a renewed focus on strengthening India’s batting line-up, and the BCCI is hopeful that under his guidance, the team will make significant strides. With a trusted figure now in place, the Indian cricket team will look to regain its competitive edge, especially after a series of underwhelming batting displays.