As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) evaluates its coaching staff following a disappointing run in recent series, former Saurashtra cricketer Sitanshu Kotak has emerged as a leading candidate to join Gautam Gambhir’s team as the batting coach.
This potential appointment comes on the heels of India’s underwhelming performances against New Zealand and Australia, where the batting lineup was notably underperforming.
Early Life and Playing Career
Sitanshu Hargovindbhai Kotak was born on October 19, 1972, in Rajkot, Gujarat. A left-handed batter, he had a prolific domestic career primarily with Saurashtra, spanning from 1992 to 2013.
During his 21-year career, Kotak played 130 first-class matches, amassing 8,061 runs at an impressive average of 41.76, which included 15 centuries and 55 half-centuries. In addition to his batting prowess, he contributed with the ball, taking 70 wickets in first-class cricket.
Kotak was known for his ability to play long innings, often frustrating bowlers with his technique and determination. Despite his domestic success, he never represented India at the international level.
Coaching Career
After retiring from professional cricket in 2013, Kotak transitioned into coaching. He quickly made a name for himself by taking on the role of head coach for Saurashtra, leading them to victory in the 2020 Ranji Trophy final.
His success at the domestic level led to his appointment as the batting coach at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Kotak has also served as the head coach of the India A team, guiding them on tours to countries like South Africa and Australia. His experience in nurturing young talent has been widely recognized within Indian cricket circles.
Potential Appointment with Team India
The BCCI’s decision to consider Sitanshu Kotak for a position on Gambhir’s coaching staff comes after a review meeting held on January 11, 2025.
The meeting included key figures such as BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma.
With concerns raised about the current support staff’s effectiveness—particularly regarding batting performance—the BCCI is keen to bolster its coaching setup with specialized expertise.
Gambhir had previously been reluctant to add a batting coach but is now reportedly open to the idea following discussions with BCCI officials.
Kotak’s appointment could provide much-needed focus on improving India’s batting strategies ahead of significant upcoming tournaments.
