• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Mohammed Siraj Bids Emotional Farewell As Team India Coaching Staff Confirms Exit

Mohammed Siraj Bids Emotional Farewell As Team India Coaching Staff Confirms Exit

Sakshi Sharma

Mohammed Siraj Bids emotional farewell to Soham Desai (Source:@Uniteddevil8,x.com)Mohammed Siraj Bids emotional farewell to Soham Desai (Source:@Uniteddevil8,x.com)

In a significant development, India’s long-serving strength and conditioning coach, Soham Desai, has officially stepped down from his role. Desai made the announcement on Saturday, May 31, with a heartfelt Instagram post. He reflected on his journey with the national team since 2021 and expressing gratitude towards players, coaches, and support staff.

Soham Desai Leaves Team India

Desai was first appointed under head coach Ravi Shastri, continued his role with Rahul Dravid and briefly worked with Gautam Gambhir in a transitional phase. His departure comes after team’s disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 in Australia, which reportedly triggered a wider shake-up in the support staff.

"What an honour and privilege it’s been to serve Indian Cricket over the years. From day one, the vision was crystal clear — break mental barriers, chase global excellence, stay true to my values, never fear failure. Keep showing up, no matter what," Soham Desai wrote on Instagram.

He went on to thank senior players and coaches who supported him: 

"Forever grateful to @ravishastriofficial and @virat.kohli for backing a 29-year-old coming onto the world stage with a dream. To #RahulDravid and @rohitsharma45 — What can I say? Your faith, support, and trust have shaped every step of this journey. Can’t thank you guys enough.  A big shoutout to the physios, sports therapists, operations team and team doc — I could only do what I did because of your relentless support. Thank you for always being there," concluded the strength and conditioning coach. 

Mohammed Siraj's Emotional Tribute

Among the players, Mohammed Siraj, shared a deeply personal message in response to Desai’s departure. Siraj credited Desai not just for his physical conditioning but for mentoring him through crucial phases of his career.


BCCI Yet To Name Replacement

With the team scheduled to depart for a crucial five-match Test series in England in just over a week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to name Desai’s replacement immediate. The role is critical, particularly during long overseas tours where fitness and injury management is utmost important.

Meanwhile, in another backroom change, Sitanshu Kotak is likely to take over as assistant and batting coach, following the departure of Abhishek Nayar, who joined KKR midway through IPL 2025.