Related Articles
The BCCI is reportedly planning to restructure Team India’s coaching staff ahead of the crucial five-match Test series against England. Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach T Dilip are likely to be shown the door as the board aims to streamline Gautam Gambhir’s support staff, according to a report by Dainik Jagran.
The final decision will be taken in a high-profile meeting on March 29 in Guwahati, involving BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Table of content
BCCI’s Plan to Reduce Support Staff
When Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach after the T20 World Cup triumph, he introduced a larger-than-usual coaching setup, including:
- Ryan ten Doeschate & Abhishek Nayar – Assistant Coaches
- Morne Morkel – Bowling Coach (replacing Paras Mhambrey)
- Sitanshu Kotak – Batting Coach (appointed after Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss)
- T Dilip – Fielding Coach (remained from Dravid’s staff)
Apart from the core coaches, Team India’s support staff includes three throwdown specialists, multiple physiotherapists, a team doctor, logistical staff, and a media manager, some of whom have been associated with the team for over a decade.
Why Are Nayar & Dilip Facing the Axe?
- With Kotak handling batting and Morkel overseeing bowling, the board sees no need for an extra assistant coach (Nayar).
- Dilip, the only remaining member from Dravid’s staff, is reportedly “overstaying his welcome.”
- If Dilip is removed, ten Doeschate could take over the fielding coach duties.
BCCI’s Focus: Red-Ball Cricket Revival
While India has dominated white-ball cricket, winning two ICC trophies in nine months, their Test performances have dipped. The team has lost six of their last nine Tests, winning just one. With a tough England Test series in June, BCCI wants to streamline the coaching staff, selectors, and players to ensure a strong red-ball comeback.
The final call on the coaching changes will be made on March 29. If Nayar and Dilip are let go, it could mark the beginning of a leaner, more focused coaching setup under Gambhir.
