Gambhir Denies BCCI Rejection, Announces Nayar and ten Doeschate as Assistant Coaches

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has refuted rumors that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rejected his requests for coaching staff personnel. In a press conference, Gambhir expressed satisfaction with the BCCI's acceptance of his proposals.

Gambhir announced the appointment of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. Nayar, who served as assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during their IPL 2024 triumph, will join the Indian team. Ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands international, will serve as fielding coach, a role he also held at KKR.

Gambhir emphasized the continuity of the support staff, with T Dilip continuing as fielding coach. He explained that the addition of two assistant coaches will allow for a more comprehensive focus on all three departments of the game.

"I feel there could be assistant coaches working and focusing on all three departments rather than one specific department," said Gambhir. "That's the reason we now have two assistant coaches. That's the way we will go forward as well."

Gambhir confirmed that Nayar, Dilip, and former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule will accompany the team to Sri Lanka for the upcoming tour. Ten Doeschate will join the squad directly in Colombo.

The head coach stated that the finalization of the entire support staff will occur after the Sri Lanka tour. He highlighted his positive experiences working with Nayar and ten Doeschate during the IPL.

"We still have one month after the Sri Lanka tour, and we can finalize after the tour," said Gambhir. "Importantly, I've worked with Ryan and Abhishek closely during the IPL. I enjoyed working with them, they are thorough professionals, and there can't be a bigger and better opportunity now."

Reports have emerged that Gambhir has also requested the inclusion of South African pacer Morne Morkel in the coaching staff. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

Tags: #GautamGambhir, #TeamIndia, #BCCI, #AbhishekNayar, #RyanTenDoeschate