Sitansu Kotak, the former Saurashtra veteran and current India A head coach, is set to assume the head coach role for the Indian squad during the upcoming three T20Is in Ireland. As the regular coaching staff led by Rahul Dravid takes a well-deserved rest, Kotak guides the team for the Ireland series from August 18 to 23.
In light of the packed cricketing calendar ahead, head coach Rahul Dravid and his core coaching team, including batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, have been given a break for the Ireland T20Is. This strategic move aims to ensure the coaching staff’s well-being and energy reserves for crucial tournaments such as the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup scheduled later in the year.
Initially, VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), was expected to take up the interim head coach position for the Ireland series, as he did last year. However, Laxman decided to remain in Bengaluru to oversee the Emerging camp, which paved the way for Kotak to take on the head coaching responsibility.
With Kotak’s elevation to the head coach role, the Indian team gains an experienced mentor who has already served as the head coach for the India A side for a couple of years. His familiarity with coaching responsibilities and cricketing acumen make Kotak a valuable asset to guide the players during the Ireland T20Is.
The squad selected for the Ireland T20Is reflects a mix of young talent and experienced players. Led by Jasprit Bumrah, the squad includes promising players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and more. With Sitansu Kotak at the helm, the Indian team aims to deliver strong performances in the series and build momentum ahead of the forthcoming challenges on the international stage.
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Squad for Ireland T20Is: Jasprit Bumrah (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan.
