Sitanshu Kotak

Team India ropes in new batting coach ahead of England series

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 13:11:57 GMT

Former Saurashtra captain and batter Sitanshu Kotak will join Team India's setup as batting coach. Kotak will start his stint with the five-match T20I Series against England which starts from January 22.

Kotak, who retired in 2013 after playing first-class cricket for over 20 years, has been working as a batting coach at the National Cricket Academy since 2019. Kotak has served as the head coach of India A on several tours. He has served as an assistant coach to VVS Laxman when VVS Laxman himself served as the head coach for India's bilateral series in last few years.

Kotak will be the 5th assistant coach in the coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir who took charge in August. Gautam Gambhir brought three assistant coaches that time former South African Pacer Morne Morkel (bowling coach), along with former India allrounder Abhishek Nayar and former Netherlands captain Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. T Dilip, who was the fielding coach during Rahul Dravid's tenure, was retained.

It was decided after BCCI's review meeting which was conducted in Mumbai last week to assess India's disastrous run of series defeats starting with the white-ball loss in Sri Lanka, followed by a whitewash against New Zealand at home and then a 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Poor performance from the Indian batters was the main reason behind these defeats and also the Test side missing out on a World Test Championship Final berth. Batting was reportedly a key topic in the review meeting, which included Gambhir, selection committee head Ajit Agarkar, and several top BCCI officials, including the newly appointed board secretary, Devajit Saikia.

Sitanshu Kotak likely to be appointed as India A coach for Australia Tour

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:18:08 GMT

Sitanshu Kotak, one of India's most respected cricket coaches, is all set to accompany the India A team as head coach on their upcoming tour to Australia. The India A team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will play two matches against Australia's A team. The first game is scheduled for October 31 at GBRA in Mackay, followed by the second game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 7. Following the two matches, the India A side will play a practice match against the Indian senior team at WACA, Perth.

Kotak to guide India A in Australia

Sitanshu Kotak, a highly respected coach in Indian cricket, has consistently played a key role in nurturing young talent, especially with India’s A and senior teams. His vast experience includes not only mentoring emerging players but also stepping into pivotal coaching roles whenever the main coaching staff has been unavailable. Kotak was recently part of India's coaching setup during the Zimbabwe tour, where his expertise helped guide the team in crucial moments. His ability to seamlessly transition between roles and his deep understanding of player development make him an ideal head coach for the India A squad on their Australia tour, where his leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future stars of Indian cricket.

Gaikwad to lead, Easwaran named vice-captain

Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the team, with Abhimanyu Easwaran serving as vice-captain. Easwaran has been in tremendous form on the domestic circuit, making him a strong contender for a reserve opening spot in India's main Test squad. The team will also include young talents like Sai Sudharsan, who recently scored a double century in the Ranji Trophy, and other key players like Devdutt Padikkal and Baba Indrajith in the middle order.

The bowling department features Khaleel Ahmed and Yash Dayal, both of whom are competing for a left-arm seamer position in India's main squad. With key Test series ahead, this tour is crucial for India A players, offering them a chance to prove their mettle and potentially earn spots in the senior team.