Gautam Gambhir is the head coach of the Indian team [Source: @BCCI/x]
Team India’s coaching staff underwent a major revamp after the ‘Men in Blue’ lifted the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies. The departure of Rahul Dravid paved the way for fellow former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, who aimed to instill his aggressive playing intent into the players, the same intent he proudly wore on his sleeve during his playing days.
Not long after Gambhir’s appointment became official, the two-time World Cup winning cricketer urged for some fresh recruitments within the coaching staff, which included one particular South African pace legend from the yesteryears.
As Team India braces itself up for the upcoming white-ball action against England at home, a series intended to be a prelude to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, here we take a look at India’s entire coaching staff as led by Gautam Gambhir.
Team India coaching staff for ENG series
Gautam Gambhir (Head coach):
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir was appointed as national men’s head coach as Rahul Dravid’s successor after the 2024 T20 World Cup. Gambhir was the mentor of the KKR franchise that lifted the IPL 2024 season. Moreover, the legendary left-hander also played crucial roles in India’s historic 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup wins as a player.
Morne Morkel (Bowling coach):
Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel was appointed as India’s bowling coach at the behest of Gautam Gambhir. Both Gambhir and Morkel were also part of the coaching managements of the LSG franchise.
Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate (Assistant coaches):
Gautam Gambhir also reportedly urged the BCCI to appoint his ex-KKR colleagues, former Indian player Abhishek Nayar and ex-Netherlands all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches of the Indian team. Both first joined Team India back in July 2024 for white-ball fixtures in Sri Lanka.
T Dilip (Fielding coach):
T Dilip was the only member of the Indian coaching staff who was retained from Rahul Dravid’s tenure. With Dilip at the helm, Team India’s fielding seemingly witnessed a significant improvement, which even factored in their title-winning run at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Sitanshu Kotak (Batting coach):
Former Saurashtra and Warwickshire cricketer Sitanshu Kotak became the latest member to join the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian coaching staff. Aged 52, Kotak was appointed as India’s batting coach after the team’s disastrous 1-3 Test drubbing in Australia in January 2025.
Having already served as head coach of several India A matches, and as an assistant coach to VVS Laxman of the national side, Sitanshu Kotak’s first coaching assignment under Gautam Gambhir would be India’s white-ball fixtures against England at home.