Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach T Dilip may soon be asked to leave their positions, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating a reduction in head coach Gautam Gambhir's support staff ahead of the upcoming tour to England. A report from Dainik Jagran indicates that the BCCI aims to streamline the men's team's extensive support staff moving forward. This decision is expected to be finalized during a significant meeting scheduled for March 29 in Guwahati, which will include BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid as head coach after Dravid stepped down following a successful T20 World Cup campaign, was the first coach to bring along two assistant coaches and a bowling coach. Departing from the traditional Indian support staff seen during Ravi Shastri and Dravid's tenures, India appointed Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar as assistant coaches, while Morne Morkel took over the bowling coach role from Paras Mhambrey.

Following India's defeats at home against New Zealand and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI appointed NCA and A team coach Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach for the senior team. Nayar, ten Doeschate, Morkel, Dilip, and Kotak were all integral to the coaching staff during India's Champions Trophy-winning campaign.

It is important to note that India's extensive support staff extends beyond the primary coaches. In addition to them, the team includes three throwdown specialists, two massage therapists, both a senior and a junior physiotherapist, a team doctor, a security and operations manager, a computer analyst, and several logistical and media managers. Many of these individuals have been with the team for nearly a decade, with some, like Raghavendra, having been associated since 2011.

Who will replace Abhishek Nayar and T Dilip?

Their positions are unlikely to change. However, the same may not apply to Nayar and Dilip. With Kotak already serving as the batting coach and Morkel assuming responsibility for the bowlers, the board believes there is no necessity for an additional assistant coach or a fielding coach.

Dilip remains the sole surviving member of Dravid's support team. The report indicated that Dilip has overstayed his welcome, having been part of the team for over three years. In his absence, ten Doeschate could assume the role of fielding coach.

India has performed exceptionally well in white-ball cricket, securing two ICC tournaments within a nine-month period for the first time. However, their Test performance has significantly declined, with the team losing six out of nine Test matches and winning only one. Following the IPL, India's next challenge will be a five-match Test series against England in June. The board expects the entire support staff, selectors, and players to approach the A tour with utmost seriousness.

Read Also: Jofra Archer Criticized for Deliberately Bowling Wide to Prevent Quinton de Kock's Century

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!