Fri Jan 17 16:15:31 UTC 2025: ## Experienced Coach Kotak Joins Indian Cricket Team’s Support Staff
**Mumbai, India** – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Sitanshu Kotak as the new batting coach of the senior men’s team, multiple news sources reported Thursday. This appointment comes ahead of crucial limited-overs series against England, including the Champions Trophy next month.
The decision follows criticism of the team’s batting performance during the recent Australia tour, where several batsmen, including senior players like Virat Kohli, struggled. The move was reportedly spearheaded by head coach Gautam Gambhir, who requested a new batting coach following a review meeting.
Kotak, a 52-year-old former Saurashtra batsman with over 8,000 first-class runs, brings extensive experience. He’s a long-time National Cricket Academy (NCA) batting coach and has toured with both the senior and India A teams. His appointment may be temporary, potentially covering only the upcoming home series against England starting January 22nd. A source confirmed to PTI that Kotak’s NCA affiliation allows for flexible deployment within the team structure. He is a Level 3 qualified coach and has previously assisted VVS Laxman and served as head coach during India’s tour of Ireland last year. This addition aims to bolster the team’s batting capabilities ahead of the challenging series against England.
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