The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to make significant changes to the support staff of Team India ahead of their upcoming tour to England. Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach T. Dilip are likely to be let go as the BCCI aims to streamline the coaching setup under head coach Gautam Gambhir. This decision follows a series of disappointing performances in Test matches, prompting the board to reassess the size and composition of the coaching staff.
According to a report by Dainik Jagran, the BCCI is not in favor of maintaining a large support staff for the men's cricket team moving forward. The final decision regarding these changes is expected to be made during a high-profile meeting scheduled for March 29, 2025, in Guwahati, which will include BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
When Gambhir took over as head coach after Rahul Dravid stepped down following a successful T20 World Cup campaign, he introduced a new structure by bringing in two assistant coaches and a bowling coach. Nayar and former Netherlands all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate were appointed as assistant coaches, while South African pacer Morne Morkel took over the bowling coach role from Paras Mhambrey.
Despite the initial promise shown by the team, recent performances have raised concerns. After a disappointing series against New Zealand and a subsequent loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI appointed Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach, further complicating the roles within the coaching staff. Nayar, ten Doeschate, Morkel, Dilip, and Kotak were all part of the coaching staff during India's successful Champions Trophy campaign.
Team India's support staff is extensive, comprising three throwdown specialists, two massage therapists, a senior and junior physiotherapist, a team doctor, a security and operations manager, a computer analyst, and several logistical and media managers. Many of these staff members have been with the team for nearly a decade, with some, like Raghavendra, associated with the squad since 2011.
As the BCCI evaluates its coaching staff, the roles of Nayar and Dilip are under scrutiny. With Kotak now serving as the batting coach and Morkel managing the bowlers, the board feels there is no longer a need for an additional assistant or fielding coach. Dilip, who is the last remaining member from Dravid's staff, has reportedly overstayed his welcome after more than three years in his position. If Dilip is let go, ten Doeschate may be promoted to take over as the fielding coach.
India has found considerable success in white-ball formats, winning two ICC tournaments in just nine months. However, their Test performances have faltered, with the team losing six of their last nine matches. Following the Indian Premier League (IPL), India will face a five-match Test series against England in June, and the BCCI expects full commitment from all staff, selectors, and players for this crucial tour.
In light of these developments, the BCCI is keen to ensure that the support staff is aligned with the team's goals and performance expectations. With the upcoming meeting in Guwahati, the future of Nayar and Dilip hangs in the balance, as the board seeks to create a more effective and streamlined coaching environment for Team India.
As the cricketing world watches closely, the BCCI's decisions could have lasting implications for the direction of Indian cricket. Will the changes lead to a rejuvenated team ready to reclaim its dominance in Test cricket? Only time will tell as the countdown to the England series begins.
