Following a disappointing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat in Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has acted swiftly, making sweeping changes to the national team’s support staff. Among the notable exits is assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who was shown the door just eight months after his appointment.Joining Nayar in the list of staff relieved of their duties are fielding coach T. Dilip, strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai, and a team masseur, as the BCCI initiates a comprehensive overhaul ahead of a crucial home season.

The shake-up comes under the leadership of newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, who took over the reins following Rahul Dravid’s departure. Gambhir had brought in much of his support staff from Kolkata Knight Riders, including Nayar, fielding consultant Ryan ten Doeschate, and bowling coach Morne Morkel. Despite a rocky start, Gambhir and his backroom staff steered India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, a campaign where Nayar, ten Doeschate, Morkel, T. Dilip, and Sitanshu Kotak played pivotal roles. With Nayar’s exit, Ryan ten Doeschate is expected to shoulder additional responsibilities, temporarily stepping into the fielding coach role. No direct replacements have yet been named for the assistant coach or fielding coach positions.

Meanwhile, Sitanshu Kotak, who was brought in earlier as a white-ball batting coach, is expected to continue in the revamped support structure. Morne Morkel also retains his position as bowling coach. The restructured coaching unit is set to join the Indian squad ahead of the high-stakes five-match Test series against England, scheduled to begin on June 20. The series marks a critical juncture for Team India as they aim to bounce back and reassert their dominance in home conditions.