The India National Cricket Team coaching staff comprises an eclectic collection of fresh ideas and proven experience, which enables them to shape selection, strategy, tournament preparations and franchise cricket alike while managing heavy workloads and public scrutiny.
Early coaches would come and go quickly; today their stays tend to be longer. John Wright introduced structure; Kirsten and Fletcher established discipline; while Shastri and Dravid fostered consistent planning and global success.
Kamlesh Jain
Kamlesh Jain has joined India’s support staff ahead of its five-match T20 series against South Africa. Former Kolkata Knight Riders support staff member Nitin Patel has relocated to Bengaluru’s National Cricket Academy; Jain will replace him. Jain joined his new teammates at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday for practice sessions.
Jain is an integral member of Gautam Gambhir’s backroom staff and brings with him years of experience. As the Kolkata Knight Riders head physio for over ten years – three as head physio – Jain impressed BCCI secretary Jay Shah and NCA head coach VVS Laxman who were responsible for helping secure him his current role.
Raghu
Raghavendra Dwivedi, better known by his nickname of Raghu, is one of Team India’s unsung heroes. As their throwdown specialist he helps train batters by creating game-like conditions through simulation training sessions at 150 kmph bowling speeds.
Raghu hails from Kumta in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and left home with 21 rupees to pursue his passion for cricket. After appearing for state trials but being injured while playing, his playing career came to a quick halt and so began assisting players in Hubli before moving onto Bangalore on advice of a friend.
At Bangalore, his dedication was noted and caught the attention of former Karnataka wicketkeeper Tilak Naidu who introduced him to Javagal Srinath of KSCA for three to four years without receiving compensation before joining BCCI in 2008.
Sitanshu Kotak
Gautam Gambhir faces a new challenge as the leader of India’s national cricket team. Since taking over Rahul Dravid in July 2024, Gambhir is expected to bring his fierce competitive spirit and tactical prowess. Already leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
After India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat against Australia, VVS Laxman appointed him to strengthen India’s batting. Prior to being given this task, he served on NCA chief’s coaching staff on multiple India A and Under-19 tours as a part-time instructor.
Gambhir recommended Kotak for this role due to their mutual respect and experience working together at multiple IPL and domestic teams. Their tenure with India will begin when they face England in their five-match T20I series beginning January 22.
T. Dilip
Behind every successful cricket team lies a well-planned strategy, disciplined schooling and an inspiring leader off the field. India national cricket team coaching staff have quietly had a tremendous effect; from developing match winners to building mental toughness they are leaving their legacy for future generations to enjoy.
India National Cricket Team’s coaching staff features both new ideas and decades of experience, working to mold a squad that’s poised to dominate world cricket. Under Gautam Gambhir’s direction, this new setup has already made an impressionful statement by winning Champions Trophy 2025.
Sitanshu Kotak has taken over as batting coach from Abhishek Nayar while Morne Morkel continues his duties as bowling coach. Ryan Ten Doeschate and Yash Dayal also now share coaching duties to ensure all aspects of player improvement are addressed by this collective of coaches.
