In a significant move by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sitanshu Kotak has been named as India’s new batting coach ahead of the limited-overs series against England and the Champions Trophy next month. The decision comes after Team India’s disappointing batting performances in recent Test series against New Zealand and Australia.
Kotak’s Experience and Coaching Journey
Kotak, who is currently the head coach of the India A team, had traveled to Australia with the India A side in November 2024. He has been a long-serving member of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) as a batting coach. His vast experience has earned him the trust of the players and made him a prominent figure in Indian cricket coaching.
A senior BCCI official stated that the decision to appoint Kotak was made after the performance of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar was reviewed. “It is clear that Abhishek Nayar‘s expertise isn’t helping the players. Kotak has been a specialist batting coach for a lengthy period of time and has also got the trust of the players,” the official told PTI.
Kotak’s Qualifications and Role in Indian Cricket
Kotak holds a Level 3 coaching certification and has assisted former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman in the past. He also served as the head coach of the Indian team during their T20I series against Ireland in August 2023, led by Jasprit Bumrah. His familiarity with the India A squad and his role within the NCA made him a suitable candidate for the position of batting coach for the senior national team.
“Since he is NCA staff, he can be put anywhere,” PTI quoted the source, highlighting Kotak’s flexibility and his capacity to handle various coaching roles within Indian cricket.
Sitanshu Kotak’s Playing Career
Now aged 52, Sitanshu Kotak enjoyed a distinguished domestic cricket career as a left-handed batter. He played from the 1992-93 season until 2013, amassing 8061 runs in 130 first-class matches at an average of 41.76. His career featured 15 centuries and 55 half-centuries. Kotak was particularly known for his elegance in two strokes: the cover drive, which he played with great precision when the ball was pitched up, and the flick shot when the ball was delivered on his pads.
With his extensive playing and coaching experience, Sitanshu Kotak is now ready to guide India’s batting line-up to new heights as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the England series and the Champions Trophy.