Sitanshu Kotak Joins Indian Team as Batting Coach Before England Series
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Synopsis
Sitanshu Kotak, the former Saurashtra batter, is set to join the Indian cricket team as their batting coach before the white-ball series against England starting January 22 in Kolkata. His role aims to address the team's batting struggles following recent defeats.
Key Takeaways
- Former Saurashtra player Sitanshu Kotak named batting coach.
- Indian team faces batting issues after recent losses.
- Kotak has extensive coaching experience and Level 3 certification.
- India's white-ball series against England starts January 22.
- Team support staff includes prominent coaching figures.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) Former Saurashtra batter Sitanshu Kotak is poised to join the Indian team as their batting coach ahead of the forthcoming white-ball series against England, which kicks off in Kolkata on January 22.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the batters’ declining performance leading to a 0-3 Test defeat against New Zealand at home and a 1-3 series loss in Australia were focal points during a BCCI review meeting on Saturday. Consequently, Kotak has been enlisted to address the challenges in the batting unit.
Kotak has accumulated 8,061 runs across 130 first-class matches throughout his 20-year domestic career representing Saurashtra as a left-handed batter, even captaining the side. Post-retirement, he has been serving as the batting coach at the National Cricket Academy since 2019 and possesses a Level 3 coaching certification.
He has also acted as the head coach for various India A tours and worked as an assistant coach under VVS Laxman during India’s recent white-ball bilateral series as head coach. Additionally, Kotak was a temporary coach for India’s T20I series against Ireland in 2023.
At the age of 52, Kotak will collaborate with the Indian team’s support staff, which includes head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate, while Morne Morkel and T Dilip handle bowling and fielding duties respectively.
Kotak’s appointment arrives at a crucial time, given the recent struggles of captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli frequently falling to deliveries outside the off-stump, and Shubman Gill experiencing an inconsistent overseas record, highlighting the necessity for a dedicated batting coach for the Indian squad.
Following the five-match T20I series against England, India will engage in three ODIs against the same team, leading up to the Champions Trophy in Dubai next month. Furthermore, India is also scheduled for an A team tour of England before embarking on a five-match Test series in the country during June-July.
