In the wake of a disappointing 3-1 series defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken stern action by removing key members of the support staff, including assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, fielding coach T Dilip, and Strength and Conditioning coach Soham Desai.
BCCI sources confirmed to ANI that the decision was based not only on the team’s poor performance in the prestigious Test series but also due to alleged dressing room leaks that surfaced during the tour.
India, despite starting the series on a high with a win in Perth, failed to maintain momentum and lost the next three Tests, missing out on a spot in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. The result sparked widespread criticism from fans and cricketing experts alike.
Senior players came under the scanner as well. Captain Rohit Sharma managed just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20, while Virat Kohli, despite scoring a lone century, averaged just 23.75 across nine innings. Kohli’s vulnerability outside the off-stump was repeatedly exploited by Australian pacer Scott Boland, who dismissed him four times.
Abhishek Nayar’s position especially came under scrutiny, with concerns over a perceived “Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) influence” on the national team setup. Nayar, along with Ryan Ten Doeschate, had previously worked as assistant coaches at KKR before joining the national side during India’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Their appointment had raised eyebrows due to their close association with Gautam Gambhir, former KKR captain.
Amid the shake-up, the BCCI is also said to be focusing on stricter regulations to promote discipline and unity in the squad. New travel and team conduct guidelines were rolled out earlier this year, discouraging separate travel arrangements with family members and enforcing stricter baggage and attendance policies.
With major international fixtures ahead and the WTC Final berth slipping away, the BCCI’s latest moves signal a clear intent to rebuild and refocus India’s Test cricket setup.
