BCCI to sack Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate? Board furious at 'KKR influence' in Team India

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly displeased with the "Kolkata Knight Riders influence" in the team management, as per ANI. The BCCI has brought in Sitanshu Kotak as the new batting coach due to concerns over Gautam Gambhir's assistant coaches, Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate.

Notably, the BCCI did not appoint a specialist batting coach under Gautam Gambhir. Abhishek Nayar took on the responsibility of focusing on the batters. However, India struggled in their batting during the home series against New Zealand and the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia.

The coaching staff faced heavy criticism. Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar questioned the effectiveness of the support staff, holding them accountable for the persistent technical flaws, especially with players like Virat Kohli. The Men in Blue suffered a whitewash to New Zealand and a 1-3 series loss to Australia.

BCCI Reportedly Displeased with Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate

According to a report in PTI, Abhishek Nayar's role in the Indian coaching staff may be temporary after India's poor performance in recent series. The report added that Nayar is likely to be part of the coaching set-up due to the influence of a senior player, but the name of the player was not revealed.

"It is clear that Abhishek Nayar's expertise isn't helping the players. Kotak has been a specialist batting coach for a lengthy period of time and has also got the trust of the players," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Sitanshu Kotak's First Task - The Five-Match T20I Series Against England

Sitanshu Kotak, with experience at the National Cricket Academy and India A, has been appointed to the Indian coaching set-up following doubts over Abhishek Nayar.

Kotak has built trust with the players, including his successful stint with the India A team and a recent tour to Australia. His first task will be the five-match T20I series against England, starting on January 22. This appointment could be temporary, as the next major series against England is still a few months away.

"We have an India A shadow tour and Kotak normally handles the A team. He is a qualified Level 3 coach and has assisted VVS Laxman in the past and was also the head coach when India toured Ireland last year. Since he is NCA staff, he can be put anywhere," the source added.

BCCI Set to Implement Stricter Protocols During Team India's Tours

Under Gautam Gambhir's mentorship, Kolkata Knight Riders won the 2024 IPL title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, Gambhir's tenure as head coach of India has seen mixed results, with multiple losses in ODIs and Tests.

Following India's disappointing performance in the BGT, the BCCI is tightening its regulations for players. A recent report from ESPNcricinfo reveals that BCCI plans to implement stricter protocols during Team India's tours, including limiting players' time with their families and banning independent transport.

Also read: Rishabh Pant appointed Delhi Captain for Ranji Trophy, Virat Kohli's participation still uncertain