Abhishek Nayar, who joined Team India as an assistant coach in July 2024, has been relieved of his duties along with fielding coach T Dilip.
According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has terminated the contracts of both support staff members following India’s disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Rohit Sharma’s side began the series on a high note with a commanding 295-run win in the opening Test but went on to lose three of the next four matches, ultimately conceding the series 1-3. This marked the first time since the 2014-15 season that India lost the BGT title.
India had been strong contenders to reach the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third consecutive cycle. However, back-to-back series losses — at home to New Zealand and away to Australia — dashed those hopes. As a result, India missed out on a place in the WTC 2023-25 final, which will now feature Australia and South Africa in June.
Abhishek Nayar, T Dilip Dismissed by BCCI – Reports
According to a source within the BCCI, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, fielding coach T Dilip, and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai have been let go by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“The three have been informed about the decision last week. For now, the Indian board does not plan to appoint replacements,” the source shared with The Indian Express.
The report further mentions that support staff members who have been with the team for over three years will be removed. Trainer Soham Desai, who had completed three years with the Indian team, has been replaced by Adrian le Roux.
Former Saurashtra batter Sitanshu Kotak and Ryan ten Doeschate will continue in their roles and take on the responsibilities of Nayar and Dilip. The BCCI has not appointed any additional support staff at this time.
India’s next international assignment will be a tour to England, where they will play five Test matches from June to August 2025. The first Test will begin on June 20, and the fifth Test will start on July 31.