Who is Sitanshu Kotak, Indian cricket team’ new batting coach

Sitanshu Kotak will be India's batting coach for the India vs. England series, as he has been assigned a new role.

After India’s dismal batting performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former Saurashtra cricketer Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach for the Indian team. Kotak will be starting his campaign with the upcoming limited-overs series against England on home soil.

Who is Sitanshu Kotak?

Sitanshu Kotak, a distinguished name in Indian cricket, has embarked on another illustrious chapter in his career. The former Saurashtra cricketer, born on October 19, 1972, in Rajkot, India, has been appointed as the batting coach for the Indian national cricket team as of January 16, 2025. This appointment comes at a critical juncture as the team gears up for their white-ball series against England.

During his playing days, Kotak was a linchpin for Saurashtra, amassing an impressive 8,061 runs in 130 matches, with a solid average of 41.76. Not just a batsman, he also contributed 70 wickets as a medium pacer, proving himself invaluable across facets of the game from 1992 to 2013.

Transition to Coaching

Post-retirement, Kotak’s transition into coaching was seamless, marked by numerous key roles. As head coach of the Saurashtra team, he masterminded their triumph in the 2020 Ranji Trophy Final. He later succeeded Rahul Dravid as head coach of India A in 2019, further solidifying his coaching credentials. His association with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and involvement with IPL franchises like the Gujarat Lions have richly expanded his coaching portfolio.

New Role Amid Challenges

Kotak’s recent appointment as the Indian team’s batting coach comes amid concerning batting performances, with India losing six of their last eight matches against formidable opponents New Zealand and Australia. His new role focuses on addressing technical flaws and helping players regain confidence and form. It is a significant responsibility, as India’s batting lineup must rise to the occasion against the English side.

Navigating Criticism

Despite his vast experience, Kotak’s appointment hasn’t been devoid of scrutiny. With the team’s recent underwhelming performances, fans and analysts are eager to see if his strategies will resolve the batting dilemmas that have been evident in high-pressure matches.
In conclusion, Sitanshu Kotak’s journey from a first-class stalwart to a respected coach reflects his deep-rooted passion for cricket. Now, he faces the challenge of revitalizing India’s batting prowess. As he takes on this pivotal role, the cricketing world watches with anticipation, hoping for a turnaround under his guidance.