Sitanshu Kotak has been appointed as the batting coach for the Indian cricket team ahead of their upcoming white-ball series against England, which begins on January 22, 2025. This decision comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recognized the need for specialized batting support following disappointing performances in recent series, including a whitewash against New Zealand and a 1-3 loss in Australia.
Background of Sitanshu Kotak
- Experience: Kotak, aged 52, has a rich background in coaching, having served as the batting coach at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) since 2019. He has also been the head coach for various India A tours and was an assistant coach under VVS Laxman during India’s white-ball engagements.
- Domestic Career: A former Saurashtra captain, Kotak had a successful first-class career spanning over two decades, scoring more than 8,000 runs. His extensive experience in domestic cricket and coaching roles makes him a valuable addition to the national setup.
Coaching Context
The BCCI’s decision to appoint Kotak aligns with head coach Gautam Gambhir’s request for a dedicated batting coach during a recent review meeting. The Indian batting lineup has struggled significantly, particularly in technical aspects during their last few series. The inclusion of Kotak is aimed at addressing these issues and enhancing the team’s performance ahead of significant tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
Upcoming Series
The Indian team is set to hold a three-day training camp in Kolkata starting January 18, before they kick off their series against England with five T20Is and three ODIs.
