Sitanshu Kotak Named Team India’s New Batting Coach
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to revamp the coaching staff of Team India in light of recent poor performances. Following a whitewash by New Zealand on home soil and a dismal series loss to Australia, the board has reportedly finalized Sitanshu Kotak as the new batting coach for the Indian cricket team.
Sitanshu Kotak, currently serving as the head coach of the India-A team, has extensive experience in coaching and domestic cricket. In 2023, he also acted as head coach for the Indian team that played a T20 series against Ireland under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy.
A Distinguished Domestic Career
Kotak, 52, has an illustrious domestic cricket career. He represented Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy and played first-class cricket from 1992 to 2013. Across 130 innings, Kotak amassed 8,061 runs at an average of 41.76, including 15 centuries and 55 half-centuries.
After retiring from playing, Kotak transitioned to coaching and worked as a batting coach at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Over the past four years, he has been associated with the India-A team as a batting coach on various tours. He also served as the assistant coach for the Gujarat Lions during the 2017 IPL season.
Current Coaching Staff
Currently, Team India does not have a designated batting coach. The coaching setup includes Gautam Gambhir as chief coach, Morne Morkel as bowling coach, Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coach, and T. Dilip as fielding coach. Kotak’s appointment is expected to strengthen the batting department and bring in his vast experience.
Kevin Pietersen in the Race?
Reports suggest that former England legend Kevin Pietersen (KP) had also expressed interest in the role of India’s batting coach. Known for his aggressive style in Test cricket, Pietersen played 104 Tests for England, scoring 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28, with 23 centuries to his name.
While Pietersen’s credentials are formidable, BCCI seems to have favored Kotak, whose familiarity with the Indian domestic setup and coaching expertise make him a suitable choice.
Sitanshu Kotak, currently serving as the head coach of the India-A team, has extensive experience in coaching and domestic cricket. In 2023, he also acted as head coach for the Indian team that played a T20 series against Ireland under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy.
A Distinguished Domestic Career
Kotak, 52, has an illustrious domestic cricket career. He represented Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy and played first-class cricket from 1992 to 2013. Across 130 innings, Kotak amassed 8,061 runs at an average of 41.76, including 15 centuries and 55 half-centuries.
After retiring from playing, Kotak transitioned to coaching and worked as a batting coach at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Over the past four years, he has been associated with the India-A team as a batting coach on various tours. He also served as the assistant coach for the Gujarat Lions during the 2017 IPL season.
Current Coaching Staff
Currently, Team India does not have a designated batting coach. The coaching setup includes Gautam Gambhir as chief coach, Morne Morkel as bowling coach, Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coach, and T. Dilip as fielding coach. Kotak’s appointment is expected to strengthen the batting department and bring in his vast experience.
Kevin Pietersen in the Race?
Reports suggest that former England legend Kevin Pietersen (KP) had also expressed interest in the role of India’s batting coach. Known for his aggressive style in Test cricket, Pietersen played 104 Tests for England, scoring 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28, with 23 centuries to his name.
While Pietersen’s credentials are formidable, BCCI seems to have favored Kotak, whose familiarity with the Indian domestic setup and coaching expertise make him a suitable choice.