Meet Sitanshu Kotak, ex-cricketer set to join Team India as batting coach ahead of England series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Sitanshu Kotak, a former Saurashtra batsman, as batting coach for the forthcoming home series against England and the Champions Trophy in 2025. England will play five T20Is and three ODIs beginning January 22.

The decision to recruit Kotak follows India's previous batting woes in home Test series against New Zealand and in Australia. Indian Express confirmed the news.

“Kotak will be joining the Indian team as a batting coach. The Indian team will be having a three day-camp in Kolkata and players will be reporting on January 18,” the Indian Express report read quoting a source in the Indian board.

Who is Sitanshu Kotak?

Sitanshu Kotak is a revered figure in Saurashtra cricket, having participated in 130 First Class matches for the team. Throughout his career, Kotak has amassed an impressive total of 8061 runs at an average of 41.76, including 15 centuries and 55 half-centuries. His highest score in domestic first-class cricket stands at an unbeaten 168.

In List A cricket, Kotak has featured in 89 matches, accumulating 3083 runs at an average of 42. He has recorded three centuries and 26 half-centuries, with a top score of 122 not out. Additionally, he has taken part in nine T20 matches, scoring 133 runs at a strike rate of 74, with a highest score of 27.

Kotak also showcased his bowling skills as a part-time bowler, claiming 70 wickets in first-class cricket and 54 in List A matches.

His final appearance for Saurashtra was in a first-class match against Rajasthan in October 2013, where he contributed 65 runs. Kotak made his debut for the team in the 1992/93 season.

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