Breaking News: Abhishek Nayar Set To Join Gautam Gambhir's Support Staff

Gautam Gambhir's support staff for the Indian men's team is expected to include coaching professionals with a proven track record at different levels, such as state cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team is also looking into retaining at least one member from Rahul Dravid's current coaching staff. The selection process for the other two positions is currently underway. Abhishek Nayar, who is an integral member of the Kolkata Knight Riders' think tank, is expected to join Gautam Gambhir's support staff. It's no wonder Gautam Gambhir chose a former India all-rounder, Abhishek Nayar (40), who played three ODIs in 2009. The two have had a strong professional relationship at KKR, and Gambhir was looking for a colleague known to be dedicated and serious at his job.

Abhishek Nayar is set to join Gautam Gambhir's support staff

It has been just one day since Gautam Gambhir was announced as the head coach of the Indian men's team. According to reports, Abhishek Nayar is also expected to join Gautam Gambhir's support staff. Abhishek fits the bill and has been closely associated with India's skipper, Rohit Sharma. The former Mumbai all-rounder is expected to be appointed as an assistant coach rather than a specialized batting coach.

🚨 NEWS 🚨

Mr Gautam Gambhir appointed as Head Coach - Team India (Senior Men).

Mr Gambhir will take charge from the upcoming away series against Sri Lanka where Team India are set to play 3 ODIs & 3 T20Is starting July 27, 2024.

All The Details 🔽 #TeamIndia | @GautamGambhir

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 9, 2024

Gambhir himself may take on the role of batting coach. Sources close to the board indicate that T Dilip, who has served as a fielding coach under Rahul Dravid, is likely to be retained despite the BCCI's media statement thanking Dravid and his team, which led to interpretations that their services were no longer required.

"The Board also congratulates Mr Paras Mhambrey (Bowling Coach), Mr T. Dilip (Fielding Coach) and Mr Vikram Rathour (Batting Coach) on a highly successful tenure. The BCCI values their contribution and wishes them the best going forward," the BCCI press release stated. 

Dilip's services will likely be retained, but the bowling coach position has not been finalized. Reports have indicated that the BCCI and Gautam Gambhir are considering names like Lakshmipathy Balaji and Vinay Kumar, who have previously worked with Gambhir at KKR. However, the board may seek a more high-profile candidate with a proven track record of effectively working with young players. 

India is my identity and serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’m honoured to be back, albeit wearing a different hat. But my goal is the same as it has always been, to make every Indian proud. The men in blue shoulder the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians… pic.twitter.com/N5YyyrhXAI

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 9, 2024

The objective is to develop a strong pool of fast bowlers as a major asset for the Indian team in recent years. The new bowling coach is expected to inspire and mentor young pace bowlers like Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, and Mayank Yadav. While the conversations are underway, the final decision has not been made.