BCCI considering adding new member to Gautam Gambhir’s backroom staff after Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s BGT struggles

Following India's batting failure in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, especially that of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the BCCI is considering adding a batting coach to head coach Gautam Gambhir's backroom staff.

The developments come after India's recent losses in Tests. The Rohit Sharma-led side lost to New Zealand 0-3 at home before surrendering to Australia 1-3. India managed to cross the 300-run mark only twice out of 10 innings Down Under.

According to a Cricbuzz report, discussions about a new batting coach have already started in the BCCI, but nothing has been finalised yet. BCCI is considering some candidates, which include former domestic cricket heavyweights, for the post.

From Rahul Dravid's time as head coach, only T Dilip, the fielding coach, was retained when Gambhir took over. Apart from Gambhir, the coaching staff includes Morne Morkel (bowling coach), Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate.

Mumbai stalwart Nayar, who played three ODIs for India, is now the batting coach for the Indian team. Nayar assisted Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders also. Former India cricketer Vikram Rathour was the batting coach during Dravid's tenure.

Among the Indian batters, both Rohit and Kohli have come under heavy criticism. While Rohit didn't manage to go past the 10-run mark in his five innings in the BGT series, Kohli fell trap to deliveries outside off-stump eight times out of his nine innings against Australia.

The BCCI discussion on adding a batting coach took place at the review meeting in Mumbai on January 11.

What's next for Indian cricket?

The Indian cricket team will start 2025 on a fresh note as they host England for five T20Is and three ODIs. While the T20Is begin on January 22, the 50-over series will commence on February 6, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19.

India have already announced their T20I squad against England. However, the ODI squad against England and the Champions Trophy in Dubai will be announced around January 18-19.