Following India’s 3-1 series loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to remove three key members from the national team’s support staff, sources have revealed. The decision comes in the wake of continuous dressing room leaks and reported unrest within the squad.
GAUTAM GAMBHIR UNDER SPOTLIGHT
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who took over recently, has reportedly faced challenges in maintaining dressing room discipline. Multiple reports after the series defeat suggested internal disagreements, with one claiming a player had lobbied to be interim captain.
Another unverified report alleged that Gambhir suspected batter Sarfaraz Khan of leaking internal discussions to the media—claims which the coach publicly dismissed.
> “Debates between coach and players should remain in the dressing room. Those were just reports, not the truth,” Gambhir said during a pre-match press conference.
He emphasized that team selection and continued inclusion would be purely performance-based, underlining the importance of a team-first culture.
ASSISTANT COACH, AND FIELDING COACH AMONG THOSE TO BE AXED
According to sources, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar will be relieved of his duties, just eight months into his tenure. In addition, fielding coach T. Dilip and trainer Soham Desai, both of whom have served over three years, will also be removed as part of a routine evaluation and restructuring.
Although no official announcement has been made by the BCCI, the governing body is expected to issue a statement in the coming days.
REPLACEMENTS ALREADY IN LINE
While no new appointments will be made directly, current personnel are expected to absorb the responsibilities:
- Sitanshu Kotak, already associated with the team, will continue in an expanded role.
- Ryan ten Doeschate will take over fielding duties.
- Adrian Le Roux, currently with Punjab Kings and formerly with KKR and the Indian team, is expected to join as the new trainer post-IPL.
Le Roux brings vast experience, having worked with the national team from 2002 to 2003 and Kolkata Knight Riders from 2008 to 2019.
TEAM CULTURE COMES UNDER THE LENS
The BCCI’s swift action reflects growing concerns over internal discipline and the sanctity of the dressing room. With Gambhir focusing on performance and integrity, the Indian team is expected to undergo a cultural reset ahead of the next international assignment.
> “Indian cricket will be in safe hands as long as honest people stay in the dressing room,” Gambhir stated.
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