Sitanshu Kotak. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Former India A head coach Sitanshu Kotak has been appointed team India’s head for the forthcoming series against Ireland. With important competitions like the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup scheduled later this year, India’s regular coaching staff has been rested. Hence, head coach Rahul Dravid, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and batting coach Vikram Rathour will not be assisting the team.
India will be touring Ireland for a three-match T20I series starting August 18, 2023. VVS Laxman, the head of National Cricket Academy (NCA), was initially scheduled to serve as the team’s interim head coach. The former illustrious batter, however, has chosen to remain in Bengaluru for the Emerging camp.
Sitanshu Kotak, the NCA’s batting coach, was given the chance to step in while Dravid and company are off duty. Given that Kotak has already served as the A-side’s head coach for a number of years, he has some experience in the role.
When Jasprit Bumrah was determined to be fully fit to play and selected as the team’s captain for the T20Is against Ireland, it was perhaps one of the biggest reliefs the Men in Blue might have gotten amid their injury troubles.
The ace pacer had been out of action for almost a year, but it appears that he has returned just in time with Team India’s ODI season about to enter a key three-month stretch. Along with him, Prasidh Krishna may be another bowler who the Indian team would want to keep an eye on and possibly bring along as a backup for the Asia Cup.
As for the Ireland series, Bumrah will be leading a rather inexperienced squad. The squad includes several youngsters, who earned their place after proving their worth in the Indian Premier League 2023. The three-game series will be an opportunity for the youngsters to make a mark for a bright future, and also an opportunity for several players who aim to make a comeback into the senior team.