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It’s clear that the BCCI isn’t taking any chances with the new coaching setup under Gautam Gambhir. The pressure on the support staff — Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Morne Morkel — shows that the board expects immediate results, especially in the Champions Trophy, which remains a high-stakes tournament. Gambhir’s aggressive approach and demand for accountability align with this mindset, but it also means that his coaching staff will be under intense scrutiny from day one.
Nayar’s role will be crucial in shaping the batting approach, particularly in high-pressure situations, while Ryan ten Doeschate, known for his all-round capabilities, will be expected to enhance the team’s finishing and tactical flexibility. Meanwhile, Morkel will have to ensure that India’s fast-bowling unit remains sharp and well-rotated, given the conditions expected in Pakistan.
The fact that BCCI top bosses have already conveyed their expectations in meetings suggests that this coaching group isn’t being given a long run — they will be judged on the Champions Trophy performance rather than a long-term rebuilding phase. It’s a high-risk, high-reward situation, especially with the Champions Trophy being India’s next major ICC event after their T20 World Cup triumph.
It’s evident that the pressure is mounting on Gambhir and his support staff, especially with the recent series losses in ODIs, Tests against New Zealand at home, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The BCCI’s decision to appoint Sitanshu Kotak as a batting coach, despite Gambhir’s presence, signals a clear attempt to dilute his authority — suggesting that the board isn’t entirely convinced by his methods.
The concerns about how some of the coaching staff are interacting with players indicate potential friction within the dressing room. Given Gambhir’s results-driven approach, it’s possible that some players are struggling to adapt to his coaching style. If performances don’t improve, the BCCI could use this as further justification to make changes post-Champions Trophy and England tour.
So far, Gambhir has managed to retain his position under the logic that “the coach can’t be blamed if players underperform,” but that buffer won’t last forever. The five-Test series in England will be a massive test of his leadership. If India fails there, it wouldn’t be surprising if the BCCI considers a new direction.
