In a significant move to bolster Indian cricket’s coaching framework, Sitanshu Kotak has been appointed
as the batting coach for Team India. Known for his illustrious domestic career and a proven coaching
track record, Kotak’s arrival is expected to strengthen the Indian batting lineup. His appointment comes
on the recommendation of Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian opener and cricketing stalwart, who has
long advocated for nurturing domestic talent through seasoned professionals.
A Prolific Domestic Career
Sitanshu Kotak’s cricketing journey is a tale of resilience and excellence. A mainstay of Saurashtra’s
batting lineup during his playing days, he represented his team for nearly two decades (1992–2012). His
career stats speak volumes about his consistency and skill:
First-Class Cricket: 130 matches, 8,061 runs at an average of 41.76, including 15 centuries and 55 half-
centuries.
List A Cricket: 89 matches, 3,083 runs at an average of 42.23, with 3 centuries and 26 fifties.
All-Round Contributions: While known as a dependable batter, Kotak also contributed with the ball,
taking 70 wickets in first-class and 54 wickets in List A cricket.
A Remarkable Coaching Career
Post-retirement, Kotak transitioned into coaching and quickly earned recognition for his tactical acumen
and ability to mentor young players. His contributions include:
Domestic Success: As head coach of Saurashtra, he led the team to their maiden Ranji Trophy victory in
2020, cementing his reputation as a capable leader.
India A Experience: Since 2019, Kotak has served as the head coach of India A, guiding the team on
challenging tours to countries like South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia. His work with India A has
been instrumental in grooming future stars for the national team.
National Team Engagement: Kotak has worked closely with the senior team, often as an assistant coach
under VVS Laxman. He also stepped up as the stand-in head coach for India during their T20I series
against Ireland in 2023.
Why Kotak is the Right Fit
Gautam Gambhir’s recommendation of Sitanshu Kotak reflects a strategic vision to blend domestic
expertise with international aspirations. Kotak’s appointment brings several advantages:
Player Development: His experience with India A and domestic teams ensures he understands the
nuances of nurturing emerging talents and preparing them for the international stage.
Technical Expertise: With years of playing and coaching, Kotak can identify and address technical
deficiencies in players, ensuring they perform consistently across formats.
Strategic Mindset: His domestic and international coaching stints equip him with the ability to craft
game plans tailored to specific opponents and conditions.
Calm and Composed Leadership: Kotak’s reputation as a level-headed mentor will help players maintain
focus during high-pressure situations, a crucial trait in modern cricket.
Gautam Gambhir’s Vision
Gautam Gambhir has always emphasized the importance of domestic cricket and has often advocated
for giving seasoned domestic players and coaches the opportunity to contribute at the highest level.
Kotak’s appointment aligns with this philosophy, as he represents the bridge between grassroots cricket
and the national stage. Under Gambhir’s leadership, Kotak is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping
the batting unit, particularly in tackling spin-heavy pitches and mastering overseas conditions.
Conclusion
Sitanshu Kotak’s appointment as the batting coach is a step in the right direction for Indian cricket. With
his extensive experience and proven track record, he is well-equipped to address the challenges facing
India’s batting lineup. Backed by Gambhir’s vision and the BCCI’s faith, Kotak’s presence could be
Sitanshu Kotak: The New Batting Coach of Team India
Sitanshu Kotak has been appointed as the new batting coach of Team India, marking an important step
in strengthening the team’s coaching staff. Known for his stellar domestic career and proven success as
a coach, Kotak’s arrival is expected to enhance the Indian batting lineup significantly. His appointment,
backed by the recommendations of former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, reflects a vision to integrate
experienced domestic experts into the national setup.
Kotak’s cricketing career spanned nearly two decades, during which he was a cornerstone of
Saurashtra’s batting lineup. In first-class cricket, he played 130 matches, scoring 8,061 runs at an
impressive average of 41.76, including 15 centuries and 55 half-centuries. In List A cricket, he amassed
3,083 runs at an average of 42.23. Beyond his contributions as a batter, Kotak also made an impact as a
bowler, taking 70 first-class and 54 List A wickets.
After retiring, Kotak transitioned seamlessly into coaching, quickly building a reputation for his tactical
expertise and player development skills. He led Saurashtra to their maiden Ranji Trophy title in 2020 and
has served as the head coach of India A since 2019. His work with India A has been instrumental in
preparing emerging players for the international stage. Kotak has also worked closely with the senior
Indian team, stepping in as an assistant coach under VVS Laxman and even serving as the stand-in head
coach during the T20I series against Ireland in 2023.
Gautam Gambhir, a strong advocate of nurturing domestic talent, pushed for Kotak’s inclusion to
provide technical refinement and mentorship to players. With his vast experience and calm demeanor,
Kotak’s presence is expected to revitalize India’s batting unit and help the team succeed across formats.