India's coaching staff under scanner; BCCI planning to take strong action

MUMBAI: The fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ended in a draw, leaving England ahead 2-1 in the five-match series. With the Asia Cup T20 tournament scheduled for September, reports suggest the BCCI is preparing to make major changes to India’s coaching staff soon after.

According to The Telegraph, head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to retain his position for now, but the board is likely to part ways with bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate — both appointments made under Gambhir’s tenure.

India’s record in Test cricket has been underwhelming since Gambhir took charge, registering four wins, eight losses and one draw in 13 matches. The drawn Manchester Test intensified scrutiny, particularly after the controversial selection of Anshul Kamboj, whose pace barely touched 120 kmph and failed to trouble England batters. Despite fielding six bowlers, India conceded a massive 669 in the first innings.

Selectors’ decisions have also come under the scanner, with questions raised over the repeated exclusion of in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and colleague Shiv Sunder Das are believed to have influenced many of those calls, reportedly causing friction with the team management. Critics argue that selection policies favouring bowlers with batting ability have backfired.

The BCCI is also understood to be assessing ten Doeschate’s contribution to the side, with concerns that both support coaches were given extended opportunities without corresponding results.