Mumbai: After a dismal showing in Australia, the national team’s batting department could soon get another layer by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is reportedly gauging possible options to fortify the national team coaching setup.
The decision comes following a comprehensive review meeting in Mumbai on 11 January, sources close to the board added, in which captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were present. With Virat Kohli bowled out three times in a similar fashion and Rohit Sharma struggling with the bat in Australia, the BCCI is contemplating hiring a specialist batting coach to assist Gambhir.
‘I can confirm that Gambhir’s support team has been found wanting, especially in the batting area, and as such, management has concluded that support has to come from outside,’ the BCCI insider explained, requesting anonymity. “The board then is looking externally to find potential candidates with a liking for domestic cricket stalwarts.”
Gambhir, meanwhile, remains secure as head coach and the move points to a realisation that the side needs special coaching input to cure its batting problems.
The current members of the support staff in the team comprise assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Rajin ten Doeschate, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and T Dilip as fielding coach. But there is talk regarding the roles of Nayar and ten Doeschate and the possibility of their changes or redefined roles.
It’s a good time for Indian cricket, which has had a tough couple of years and is now on the back foot, to explore other batting powerhouses.
Cricket fans and pundits, meanwhile, are still waiting in anticipation as discussions continue behind closed doors over the makeup of the coaching staff and what impact (if any) changes could have on the team going forward.