BCCI overhauls coaching staff after BGT disappointment

In the wake of India’s crushing defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has undertaken a significant shake-up in the national team’s support staff.

Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, appointed only eight months ago, has been relieved of his duties. Alongside him, fielding coach T. Dilip and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai have also been sacked. A team masseur has reportedly been let go as well.

The move comes as part of a broader overhaul led by newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid. Gambhir brought in several members of his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) support team, including Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Morne Morkel.

Earlier this year, in response to India’s inconsistent batting performances—both at home against New Zealand and away in Australia—the BCCI appointed India A and NCA coach Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach for white-ball formats. Despite a rocky start, the restructured coaching unit rebounded to guide India to a Champions Trophy title, with Nayar, ten Doeschate, Morkel, Dilip, and Kotak all playing pivotal roles.

While Nayar’s stint with the national team has come to an end, other members of the support staff are expected to continue, with some stepping into interim roles. Ryan ten Doeschate will now handle fielding responsibilities in place of T. Dilip. South African trainer Adrian Le Roux, currently associated with Punjab Kings in the IPL, has been brought in to oversee strength and conditioning, replacing Desai.

No official replacements have yet been named for either Nayar or Dilip. The restructured support staff is set to join the Indian squad ahead of the high-stakes five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss fresh in memory, the BCCI appears focused on a reset—strengthening the team’s internal structure and morale ahead of another major red-ball challenge. As the countdown to the England series begins, all eyes will be on whether permanent appointments are made in time to stabilize the backroom staff.