New Delhi, July 11: The Indian cricket team’s support staff could be headed for a significant reshuffle, with at least one senior member of head coach Gautam Gambhir’s coaching setup reportedly preparing to step down ahead of the team’s upcoming assignments.
Although there has been no official confirmation, sources indicate that discussions are underway regarding the possible departure of a prominent coach. The reasons remain unclear, with reports suggesting the move could stem from dissatisfaction in the current role, an opportunity with an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, or a combination of both.
Gambhir assumed charge of the national side in July 2024 during India’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Bowling coach Morne Morkel joined later ahead of the Bangladesh Test series, while the remaining members of the support staff began their tenure alongside the former India opener.
The coaching group is believed to have signed a two-year contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with an option to extend it by a further year. However, reports suggest that one member of the coaching staff has already held talks with an IPL franchise that has a global cricket footprint and is likely to switch roles. Another support staff member could also leave in the coming months.
The reported developments are understood to be unrelated to India’s recent struggles in Ireland and England. Instead, sources claim tensions within the dressing room have been building over the past few months, particularly following the home Test series defeat to South Africa. Differences between the coaching staff and selectors have reportedly added to the unrest.
Meanwhile, Sairaj Bahutale’s appointment as spin-bowling coach is understood to be a long-term addition rather than a temporary arrangement. Bahutale had earlier served as interim bowling coach during India’s 2024 tour of Sri Lanka when Morkel was unavailable due to a family emergency.
The decision to send a separate coaching group, led by VVS Laxman, for the Zimbabwe tour has also raised eyebrows within cricketing circles. According to a source, the Gambhir-led staff had a lengthy break during the IPL and the Zimbabwe assignment would have been only their fourth series together.
“There is clearly more than meets the eye. Perhaps the BCCI is exploring other options,” the source was quoted as saying.
Responding to the speculation, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Friday stressed that the board’s immediate focus remains on reviewing the team’s on-field performances rather than discussing changes in the coaching setup.
“The BCCI is currently assessing the performance of the Indian T20 team in the ongoing England series. Such phases are part of international cricket. Once the ODI series concludes on July 19, we will conduct a review meeting with the team’s core members to analyse the shortcomings and identify areas for improvement. The discussion will be limited strictly to performance-related matters,” Saikia said.
Should the reported departures materialise, India’s coaching setup could have a fresh look before the forthcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
Gambhir had personally assembled much of his coaching team, bringing in Ryan ten Doeschate, Morne Morkel and Abhishek Nayar. While fielding coach T Dilip retained his role, Sitanshu Kotak was later appointed batting coach after Nayar departed following India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2025. (Agencies)
