NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and former Dutch international Ryan ten Doeschate are set to join the Indian cricket team as assistant coaches during their tour of Sri Lanka, though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet officially confirmed the appointment of new head coach Gautam Gambhir's support staff. Gambhir has replaced Rahul Dravid as the new head coach.
According to a Cricbuzz report, T Dilip will continue as the fielding coach.
"Dilip is known for his effective fielding drills and team bonding exercises, which are crucial in a highly competitive environment," the report stated.
Nayar and ten Doeschate are expected to bring their vast experience to the team. Both previously worked with Gambhir during his tenure at Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League last season.
As per the report, former South African pacer Morne Morkel is also a strong contender for the position of bowling coach, having collaborated with Gambhir at Lucknow Super Giants for two years.
Dilip and Nayar will join the team immediately, but the timing of ten Doeschate's involvement remains uncertain. He is currently in the United States as part of the LA Knight Riders' coaching staff in the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) and may join the Indian team directly in Colombo.
Discussions with the BCCI about Morkel's potential role as bowling coach have taken place, but his timeline is also unclear. Morkel has a young family back home in South Africa. That's why he took his time to decide for the role. According to reports, the South African bowler has indicated interest in the position, and the ball is now in the BCCI's court.
The Indian team is set to depart from Mumbai to Colombo on a charter flight at 1 pm on Monday. The BCCI is expected to formally introduce Gambhir as the new head coach before their departure.
A media conference is planned for July 22 at a five-star hotel in Andheri, Mumbai, with newly appointed T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav in attendance, the report added.
