Scapegoat or Genuine Cleanup?- Real Reason behind Abhishek Nayar, T Dilip's BCCI sacking OUT

In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to sack the India men's cricket team support staff. According to an IANS report, the BCCI has decided to remove batting coach Abhishek Nayar, fielding coach T. Dilip, strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai, and a team masseur.

Abhishek Nayar joined the Indian team as the assistant coach in July 2024, after leaving Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). T. Dilip and Soham Desai have been with the team since November 2021 and October 2020, respectively. They were part of India's winning campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

Abhishek Nayar, T. Dilip, and Soham Desai Likely to Be Removed

According to the report, some members of the BCCI have questioned the need for the number of coaches in the support staff, especially after the team's disappointing Test series loss in Australia. The Board feels that they still have much to contribute to Indian cricket's future.

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“Some people on the Board had been saying about what's the point of having so many people in the men's team support staff, especially after the debacle of the Test series defeat in Australia. They had this view that with so many coaches there, the support staff of the men's team gave a crowded look,” sources told IANS on Thursday.

“So, this can't be called sacking, it's just about giving the support staff a lean look. Also, this can't make the likes of Nayar, Dilip, and Desai as good or bad coaches, because they still have a lot more to offer to Indian cricket and shaping its future players,” the source added.

Also Read: Abhishek Nayar spotted at Eden Gardens as Varun Chakaravarthy confirms his KKR return

Ryan ten Doeschate Takes Over as India's New Fielding Coach

Abhishek Nayar's tenure as Team India’s assistant coach lasted just eight months. He was recently praised by KL Rahul for helping him improve in white-ball cricket. Several Indian batters credited Abhishek Nayar for their success. Earlier, Abhishek Nayar had played a key role in reviving Dinesh Karthik’s career during his twilight years.

Fielding coach T. Dilip received praise for taking India’s fielding standards to new heights. However, his role will now be handed over to Ryan ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands cricketer, who had previously worked as the fielding coach for Kolkata Knight Riders before joining the national setup.

Adrian Le Roux Set to Replace Soham Desai as Strength and Conditioning Coach

The report added that Adrian Le Roux is set to replace Soham Desai as Team India’s new strength and conditioning coach. Le Roux, a South African currently working with Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, has prior experience with the Indian national team, having served in the same role from 2002 to 2003.

He also worked with the Kolkata Knight Riders between 2008 and 2019. Le Roux is expected to officially join the Indian setup after the IPL season concludes.

The outgoing masseur, who had been with the team for just two years, is also part of the staff revamp. India’s next major assignment will be a five-match Test series in England starting June 20.

Also read: BCCI finally breaks silence on 'scapegoat' Abhishek Nayar's sacking as assistant coach