Reports: BCCI mulling over appointing Sitanshu Kotak as Team India batting coach

Reports- BCCI mulling over appointing Sitanshu Kotak as Team India batting coach (Source: Twitter/X)

The Indian batters have experienced a tough time with the bat in the last few series which were played both at home and away as well. This has led to the coaching staff getting a lot of backlash after the performances in red-ball cricket in Australia and a whitewash against New Zealand in particular.

Now amid reports circulating on differences within the coaching staff, the apex Indian cricket governing body aka BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is looking to make some changes in the team coaching set-up as well. Earlier, it was reported that Abhishek Nayar and the assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, were under the scanner and the two were questioned on what role they have in the team. It has come to light that the former domestic player and former India A Head Coach, Sitanshu Kotak, was being considered “seriously” for the role of the batting coach of Team India.

“Yes, Kotak’s name is being seriously discussed for the role of India’s batting coach, and it will start with the in February. The BCCI is likely to make an official announcement in this regard. Most of our batsmen [batters], including the seniors, have struggled badly in the last two series. There’s clearly a need to strengthen the support staff of the Indian men’s cricket team from the batting point of view,” an official in the BCCI told Times of India (TOI).

Kotak is a domestic stalwart with coaching experience

Sitanshu Kotak might have not featured in the Indian team during his career but has great numbers in domestic cricket. Kotak has played 130 first-class matches and 89 List-A games where he is averaging above 40 in both formats and has also been a captain of the Saurashtra team.

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Speaking about his experience as a coach Kotak started by coaching the Saurashtra team and also became a batting coach at the NCA (National Cricket Academy) in Bangalore. He has also been the regular pick for India A head coach and coached the Indian team in the 2023 series against Ireland. He also had a stint as the assistant coach for the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in 2017.