Tim Southee’s Test cricket career spanned 16 years, during which he played 113 matches and scored 1,983 runs at an average of 16.48, with a highest score of 77*. Known for his aggressive batting, he hit 98 sixes, ranking joint fourth for the most sixes in Test cricket. As a bowler, he claimed over 300 wickets, including his best innings figures of 7/64 against India in 2012. Southee’s career was highlighted by key performances, including a crucial role in New Zealand’s ICC World Test Championship victory in 2019-21. He retired in December 2024, leaving behind a legacy as one of New Zealand’s greatest pacers.
The Indian Cricket Team had a change in the coaching department a few months ago.
After the departure of Rahul Dravid and his support staff, who guided India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, a major shake-up occurred in the backroom staff.
Gautam Gambhir took over as the head coach of the Indian cricket team across all formats and brought in his own set of coaches. He appointed Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, both of whom had worked with him at Kolkata Knight Riders during IPL 2024. Additionally, Morne Morkel, who collaborated with Gambhir at Lucknow Super Giants, was appointed as the new bowling coach, taking over from Paras Mhambrey.
Who is Indian Cricket Team’s batting coach?
Currently, the Indian team does not have a designated batting coach. While head coach Gautam Gambhir is supported by assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, there is no specific role for a batting coach within the setup.
Under the new coaching staff, India faced significant setbacks, including a loss in the ODI series in Sri Lanka. In Test cricket, India experienced their first-ever home whitewash, losing 3-0 to New Zealand, who claimed their maiden Test series win in India and ended India’s 12-year unbeaten streak at home.
Although India bounced back to win in Perth, they suffered a humiliating 10-wicket loss in Adelaide and have struggled in Brisbane. Much of India’s batting failure in these defeats can be attributed to the absence of a dedicated batting coach.
It is surprising that India, with their top-order batting struggles in varying conditions—whether spin-friendly or swing- and seam-dominant—have not appointed a dedicated batting coach, especially as these weaknesses were exposed during Gambhir’s tenure.