Sitanshu Kotak, a former Indian cricketer and experienced coach, is being considered as the frontrunner for the position of Team India’s batting coach, said a news report. The BCCI is reportedly keen on his appointment following India’s disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which raised concerns about the team's batting lineup.
In a review meeting held in Mumbai with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, Gautam Gambhir, and skipper Rohit Sharma, the support staff and coaching roles were thoroughly discussed. Kotak, who recently coached the India A team in Australia and Team India against Ireland in August 2023, has a strong cricketing and coaching background.
"Yes, Kotak's name is being seriously discussed for the role of India's batting coach, and it will start with the Champions Trophy in February. The BCCI is likely to make an official announcement in this regard," a BCCI source told newspaper TOI.
Who is Sitanshu Kotak?
Born on October 19, 1972, in Rajkot, Gujarat, he played as a left-handed batter for Saurashtra from 1992 to 2013. Over his 21-year career, he amassed 8,061 runs in 130 first-class matches at an impressive average of 41.76, including 15 centuries and 55 half-centuries. He also contributed with the ball, taking 70 wickets.
After retiring in 2013, Kotak transitioned into coaching and achieved significant success. He was the head coach of Saurashtra when they won the 2020 Ranji Trophy.
Later, he became the batting coach at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and has coached the India A team on tours to Bangladesh, South Africa, and Australia. He also served as an assistant coach for the Gujarat Lions in the 2017 IPL season.
Given his wealth of experience as a player and coach, Kotak is a strong candidate to address India's batting concerns.
