Mumbai, April 17 – In the aftermath of India’s 3-1 series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to part ways with key members of the coaching staff. Assistant batting coach Abhishek Nayar, fielding coach T Dilip, and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai have been relieved of their duties.
According to BCCI sources, the decision comes after India’s disappointing performance in the series and reports of alleged dressing room leaks. The team began with a strong victory in Perth but failed to carry forward the momentum, ultimately losing the four-match series and missing out on qualification for the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s.
Skipper Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli faced heavy criticism for their poor performances. Sharma managed only 31 runs across three matches at an average of 6.20, while Kohli scored 190 runs in five matches with a lone century, falling repeatedly to pacer Scott Boland.
Abhishek Nayar’s role drew particular scrutiny due to what some insiders described as an excessive “Kolkata Knight Riders influence” in the team’s environment. Nayar, alongside former Dutch cricketer Ryan ten Doeschate, joined India’s support staff during the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Both had prior coaching roles at KKR under Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship.
In response to ongoing concerns, the BCCI had also issued new team conduct guidelines earlier this year, emphasizing discipline, logistics management, and stronger team unity. These include strict rules on travel, baggage, and limited family visits during tours. Players are expected to stay and travel with the team for all matches and practice sessions, with any exceptions requiring approval from the head coach and selection committee chairman.