Less than a year after Abhishek Nayar was appointed assistant coach of the Indian men’s national team, the BCCI Terminates contract of Him. Nayar, who was hired in July of last year, is the first significant casualty of the BCCI’s review of India’s dismal Test cricket performance in the latter part of last year, which started with the 3-0 home loss to New Zealand and the 3-1 series loss in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Review Meeting Triggers Staff Shake-Up
In collaboration with India head coach Gautam Gambhir, the BCCI held a comprehensive assessment meeting shortly after India’s return from Australia. India Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, selectors chairman Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia were also in attendance at that first review conference, which took place in Mumbai.
Nayar’s Role and Gambhir Connection
After Gambhir was named head coach, he personally selected Nayar, a Mumbai all-rounder who had played three ODIs for India. Nayar’s stay was unknown, but Gambhir was awarded a three-year deal that would last until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Together, Gambhir and Nayar helped the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) win their third IPL championship in 2024—the first in ten years.
Player Development and Support
Nayar has worked one-on-one with a number of international and uncapped Indian players, including as Rohit, Dinesh Karthik, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, despite the fact that he has never been a domestic coach. KL Rahul recently gave Abhishek Nayar credit for his performance in white-ball cricket, stating, “Big shoutout to Abhishek Nayar.” Since he joined the Indian team, I’ve collaborated with him frequently.
Signs of Change and Coaching Shift
Before the white-ball home series against England in late January, the BCCI named former Saurashtra batsman Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach, raising questions over Nayar’s future. As members of Gambhir’s support staff, Kotak and Nayar had also flown to the Champions Trophy alongside assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fielding coach T Dilip. Both Saikia and Nayar have been contacted by ESPNcricinfo for comments.
More Changes Expected in Coaching Setup
Ahead of the next Test series later this year, the BCCI is also anticipated to evaluate the work of other coaching staff members. According to sources, there may be plans for a more comprehensive structure change, especially in relation to specialised coaching positions. Given his close relationship with younger players, a number of veteran cricket players have expressed astonishment at Nayar’s dismissal. Nayar’s decision to coach domestic or franchise cricket after his departure is still up in the air. Ahead of the next World Test Championship cycle, the administration of the Indian squad is apparently concentrating on rebuilding.
Adrian Le Roux to Replace Soham Desai as Trainer
Adrian Le Roux, who spent a year as a trainer with the Indian men’s squad in the early 2000s, is expected to take up the role. Le Roux, who is presently playing for the Punjab Kings in the IPL, is said to have accepted the new offer from the BCCI. Soham Desai, India’s strength and conditioning coach since 2019, is expected to be replaced by Le Roux.
Le Roux got a one-year deal as India’s trainer, which continued until the 2003 World Cup, after serving as a consultant during the country’s 2001–02 tour to South Africa. The BCCI subsequently offered him a one-year extension, but he turned it down, citing “a personal decision” to remain at home before becoming a trainer for the South Africa men’s team. Le Roux and Andrew Leipus, who was India’s physiotherapist at the time, were a good match, and the two significantly improved the players’ level of fitness.
