India cricket support staff changes are set to streamline the team for the 2025 England tour. The BCCI has opted not to renew contracts for assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, fielding coach T Dilip, and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai. This move reduces the support team size, with only one new addition to the roster.
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Key India Cricket Support Staff Changes
The revamped staff, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, welcomes Adrian le Roux as the new strength and conditioning coach, replacing Desai. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate will continue. Ten Doeschate will also take on fielding coach duties following Dilip’s exit. No other new appointments are planned.
Reasons Behind the Shake-Up
The India cricket support staff changes reflect Gambhir’s growing influence. After challenges in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he pushed for a leaner team. Kotak’s appointment as batting coach overlapped with Nayar’s role, leading to Nayar’s departure. Despite Nayar’s prior work with Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders and support from captain Rohit Sharma, batting struggles in Australia may have sealed his fate.
Impact on Nayar and Dilip
Nayar, valued for his work at KKR, may return to the franchise, where he led the KKR Academy and mentored players like KL Rahul. Dilip, previously retained under Rohit’s backing after Rahul Dravid’s tenure, faces an uncertain future. Rumors of a coaching role with Andhra Cricket Association have surfaced, though officials have denied these claims.
Le Roux’s Return and Team Continuity
Le Roux, who previously worked with India and spent seven years with Punjab Kings, brings familiarity to the role. The core staff—Kotak, Morkel, and ten Doeschate—will maintain stability as India prepares for the tour. These changes aim to enhance efficiency and focus for the upcoming challenges.