After the recent downfall of Indian cricket, BCCI is actively considering enhancements, with the focus on appointing a dedicated batting coach to address the team’s ongoing struggles with the bat.

Sources have confirmed to TOI that former domestic cricket stalwart Sitanshu Kotak, currently the India A head coach, is being strongly considered for the role. If appointed, his tenure is expected to begin with the upcoming Champions Trophy in February.

Kotak, 52, boasts an impressive domestic cricket record as Saurashtra’s former captain, scoring 8061 runs in 130 first-class matches at an average of 41.76, with 15 centuries and 55 fifties from 1992-2013. After retiring, he coached Saurashtra, worked as a batting coach at the National Cricket Academy, and has coached India A for the past four years on tours to Bangladesh, South Africa, and Australia. He also served as Gujarat Lions’ assistant coach in IPL 2017.

“Kotak’s name is being seriously considered for the position of batting coach,” a reliable BCCI source told TOI. “An official announcement is likely soon. With senior batters struggling in the last two series, the team needs a specialist to address these concerns.”

India’s current support staff, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, includes Morne Morkel (bowling coach), Abhishek Nayar (assistant coach), Ryan ten Doeschate (assistant coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach). While Nayar works with the batters, the absence of a dedicated batting coach has been keenly felt.

Previously, Kevin Pietersen had expressed interest in becoming the team's batting coach. Responding to an X post about the vacancy, he commented, “Available!”

The team’s recent failures, compounded by poor form from key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, have raised questions about the effectiveness of the support staff. These issues were reportedly discussed during a review meeting held in Mumbai on 11th January. The potential appointment of Kotak signals the BCCI’s intent to address these pressing concerns.