Indian cricket set to undergo a coaching reset?

Shillong, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: 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. His appointment followed a period of transition for the Indian cricket team, which has seen several coaching changes in recent years. Gambhir, a former opener for India, was brought in to revitalize the team and bring fresh perspectives to their gameplay, particularly in white-ball formats. 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. This trend of coaches moving between national teams and franchise leagues has become increasingly common, as the IPL offers lucrative financial incentives and high-pressure environments that can be appealing to coaching professionals.

Another support staff member could also leave in the coming months, indicating a potential wave of changes that could reshape the coaching dynamics within the Indian team. The reported developments are understood to be unrelated to India’s recent struggles in Ireland and England, where the team faced challenges in adapting to different playing conditions and opposition strategies.

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. Such defeats can have a significant impact on team morale and lead to scrutiny of both players and coaching staff. Differences between the coaching staff and selectors have reportedly added to the unrest, emphasizing the complex nature of team management in professional cricket.

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. His elevation to a permanent role reflects the BCCI's commitment to bolstering its spin department, which has historically been a strength for India, particularly in subcontinental conditions.

The decision to send a separate coaching group, led by VVS Laxman, for the Zimbabwe tour has also raised eyebrows within cricketing circles. This move suggests a strategic approach by the BCCI to manage resources effectively, allowing the main coaching staff to focus on higher-stakes series while providing opportunities for other coaches to gain experience in international settings. 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. This raises questions about the continuity and cohesion of the coaching staff, which can be vital for a team’s success.

“There is clearly more than meets the eye. Perhaps the BCCI is exploring other options,” the source was quoted as saying. This statement underscores the ongoing speculation surrounding the coaching setup and the potential for further changes as the BCCI seeks to optimize performance.

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. This indicates a measured approach by the BCCI, which is essential in a sport where public and media scrutiny can often lead to hasty decisions.

“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 analyze the shortcomings and identify areas for improvement. The discussion will be limited strictly to performance-related matters,” Saikia said. This statement highlights the BCCI's commitment to a structured review process, which is crucial for long-term success.

Should the reported departures materialize, India’s coaching setup could have a fresh look before the forthcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. This could present both challenges and opportunities, as new coaches often bring different philosophies and strategies that can influence team dynamics and performance.

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. The composition of the coaching staff plays a critical role in shaping the team's identity and approach to the game, making any changes particularly impactful.

In conclusion, the potential reshuffle of the Indian cricket coaching staff comes at a pivotal time for the team, as they seek to refine their strategies and improve performance on the international stage. With upcoming series and tournaments on the horizon, the decisions made in the coming weeks will likely have lasting implications for the team's success and the future of Indian cricket.