Abhishek Nayar faces scrutiny following AUS tour, may stay on until retirement of key senior player: Report

The BCCI did not appoint a specialist batting coach under Gautam Gambhir, leading former India opener and assistant coach Nayar to focus on improving the batters since their appointment last year. However, the Indian batters faced criticism for their technical shortcomings in the home series against New Zealand and in Australia. This led to harsh remarks from batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who questioned the role of the Indian support staff and called for accountability for the persistent technical issues faced by players like Virat Kohli.

A report in the PTI said that Nayar, a former Mumbai stalwart, is under scrutiny following India's debacle in the two series. It further said that Nayar is only likely to be part of the Indian coaching set-up till an influential senior player, who had a say in his appointment, is a part of the team. However, the report did not reveal the name of the player.

Why was Sitanshu Kotak appointed?

The 52-year-old has long been part of the National Cricket Academy as its batting coach, and in the last four years, he also served as the India A coach, with his most recent assignment being the tour of Australia.

With BCCI having doubt over Nayar's potential, Kotak, who has the trust of the players, has been added to the coaching set-up.

"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," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

It is understood that this could be a one-off appointment as away series against England is still some time away in June. Kotak's first assignment will be the five-match T20I series at home against England, starting January 22.

"We have an India A shadow tour and Kotak normally handles the A team. He is a qualified Level 3 coach and has assisted VVS Laxman in the past and was also the head coach when India toured Ireland last year. Since he is NCA staff, he can be put anywhere," the source added.

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