Abhishek Nayar Removed as India Assistant Coach After Test Review
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has terminated assistant coach Abhishek Nayar’s contract, marking the first significant consequence of the board’s internal review of the Indian men’s cricket team’s subpar Test performances in late 2024. Nayar’s departure, less than a year after his appointment in July 2024, comes on the heels of India’s disappointing 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand and a 3-1 series defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This decision underscores the BCCI’s commitment to addressing the team’s struggles in the longest format.
The comprehensive performance review, conducted by the BCCI in January in Mumbai, played a crucial role in this decision. The meeting included head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. The review aimed to dissect the team’s recent Test slump and identify necessary adjustments to the coaching staff. While Gambhir, whose contract extends through the 2027 ODI World Cup, retains his position, Nayar’s removal signifies the first major change resulting from the evaluation process.
A former Mumbai all-rounder and three-time India ODI player, Nayar brought a strong reputation as a mentor to the national team. He had previously worked with prominent Indian cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. His appointment followed a successful stint alongside Gambhir with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024, culminating in the franchise’s third title and ending a decade-long championship drought. Despite his limited experience as a head coach at the domestic level, Nayar’s expertise in player development was highly regarded. His appointment was initially seen as a progressive move, but concerns surrounding his role began to surface earlier this year.
The BCCI’s appointment of Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach for the white-ball home series against England in January raised questions about potential overlapping responsibilities between Kotak and Nayar. Although both Kotak and Nayar, along with fielding coach T. Dilip and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, were part of the support staff for the Champions Trophy, Kotak’s appointment hinted at the BCCI’s intention to reassess its coaching structure. This move foreshadowed potential changes within the coaching setup.
Nayar’s departure is likely to surprise some players, particularly given the positive feedback he received. KL Rahul recently praised Nayar’s contribution to his improved white-ball performance, highlighting the impact Nayar had on individual players. Despite this support, Nayar’s tenure with the national team has come to an abrupt end.
Official statements regarding the decision are yet to be released by either Nayar or BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. ESPNcricinfo has reached out to both parties for clarification. This decisive action by the BCCI demonstrates a willingness to implement significant changes as the Indian team seeks to rectify its course in Test cricket. With a demanding international calendar ahead, including the ODI World Cup later this year, the BCCI’s focus remains firmly on achieving success across all formats.
