
BCCI Drops Abhishek Nayar Following Dispute with Key Figure; No Clarity on Rohit’s Involvement
15 days ago | 5 Views
The BCCI has taken a decisive stance following the Indian team's disappointing performance in Australia, opting to terminate assistant coach Abhishek Nayar's contract after only eight months. While the BCCI has not yet made an official announcement or issued a statement, a report from PTI indicates that Nayar has already been notified of this decision. He was brought on board as part of India's revamped coaching team after the contracts of Rahul Dravid, Vikram Rathour, and Paras Mhambrey ended following last year's T20 World Cup. Nayar's departure is reportedly linked to a conflict with a prominent member of the support staff.
Additionally, the report suggests that the BCCI's appointment of Sitanshu Kotak as the new batting coach was a strategic move to facilitate Nayar's exit. It remains unclear whether the board's stringent actions are influenced by suspicions regarding Nayar's involvement in leaks from the dressing room after the unsuccessful Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but the 41-year-old has been characterized as 'counter-productive'.
"Shortly after the Australian tour, the BCCI held a review meeting. Key officials from the board, including secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla, were present alongside significant members of the Indian team and the national selectors," a BCCI member was quoted by PTI as saying.
During the meeting, a prominent member of the support staff voiced concerns regarding Nayar's involvement, indicating that his presence in the dressing room has been detrimental. Although the BCCI did not take immediate action, they subsequently appointed Kotak, a former prolific scorer from Saurashtra, effectively sidelining Nayar during the Champions Trophy.
The report also dispels several misconceptions. Despite their previous association at Kolkata Knight Riders, Gambhir did not influence Nayar's initial appointment, contrary to earlier reports. In reality, Nayar was selected to serve as a liaison between Gambhir and Rohit, given his longstanding relationship with the Indian captain. It remains unclear whether Rohit Sharma was aware of the situation or involved in the decision-making process, but it appears that a decision has been reached. The board has communicated to Nayar that his services are no longer required, and an official announcement is expected shortly.
T Dilip and Soham Desai also shown the door
T. Dilip, the individual responsible for introducing the renowned fielding medals, has been dismissed, along with strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai. Both have completed their three-year terms with the Indian team. Although the BCCI has yet to appoint a direct successor for Dilip, Adrian Le Roux will assume Desai's role. Le Roux, a South African, previously served as India's inaugural strength and conditioning coach, beginning his tenure in the early 2000s during Sourav Ganguly's captaincy.
The newly formed coaching staff will commence their duties immediately following the IPL, as India prepares to face England in a demanding five-Test series.
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