Did Abhishek Nayar become 'scapegoat' due to rift in Team India?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made significant changes to its coaching staff, announcing that Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach for Team India, has been dismissed after just eight months in the role. 

Performance Review and Internal Dynamics

The departures follow closely after India's disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where India suffered a 3-1 loss. This outcome reportedly triggered a review meeting involving senior BCCI officials, selectors, and team staff, during which concerns were raised about internal team dynamics.

Rumoured Power Struggle

Sources suggest that tensions between a senior player and a critical member of the support staff may have been responsible for the move against Nayar. Allegedly, influential voices within the support staff branded Nayar's presence as 'counter-productive', prompting the BCCI to reconsider his position.

Must Read: Is saliva use helping bowlers in IPL 2025?

Sitanshu Kotak was appointed as the new batting coach. This change was viewed by some as an attempt to sideline Nayar's influence. 

In addition to Nayar, Fielding coach T Dilip and Strength and Conditioning coach Soham Desai have also exited, but this is based on the new BCCI Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which has capped the support staff's tenure at three years.