BCCI Set for Major Team Review After Ireland and England Defeats; Support Staff Under Scanner
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to conduct a review of the Indian cricket team’s recent white-ball performances following disappointing tours of Ireland and England.
The review meeting is expected to take place in August and will also examine the contracts of some members of head coach Gautam Gambhir’s support staff.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board will assess India’s recent white-ball results, with particular attention expected to be given to the heavy setbacks suffered in Ireland and England.
India’s Poor Run in Ireland and England
India endured a difficult period after their World Cup success earlier this year.
The team suffered its first-ever series defeat against Ireland, losing both T20Is in Belfast.
Things did not improve significantly in England.
Under new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, India lost four matches in the five-game T20I series, while the remaining contest was abandoned.
It represented a dramatic change in fortunes for a team that had recently been enjoying considerable success in the shortest format.
India Also Lose ODI Series Against England
India’s struggles extended into the ODI series.
With Shubman Gill leading the side, India managed one victory but eventually lost the three-match ODI series 2-1 to Harry Brook’s England.
The performances in Ireland and England are expected to form a major part of the BCCI’s upcoming review.
India have since responded positively in Zimbabwe, where they have already secured the ongoing T20I series.
Gautam Gambhir’s Support Staff to Be Reviewed
The BCCI review will not be restricted to the players and results.
Contracts of a couple of members of Gambhir’s support staff are also expected to be discussed.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has reportedly requested to be released from his duties after completing his initial two-year contract.
There is a possibility that the BCCI could accept his request.
T Dilip’s Position Under Scrutiny
Fielding coach T Dilip could also come under scrutiny.
India’s catching and overall fielding standards during the UK tour attracted criticism, making that department another potential area of discussion during the review.
There is currently no confirmation regarding whether the BCCI intends to make a change.
The review, however, could determine the composition of Gambhir’s coaching team going forward.
India Squad for Sri Lanka Tests to Be Picked Tuesday
Alongside the white-ball review, attention will soon turn towards India’s upcoming Test assignment against Sri Lanka.
The squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka is expected to be selected on Tuesday, with the selection meeting likely to take place virtually.
India will play the opening Test in Galle from August 15, followed by the second Test in Colombo from August 23.
The squad is expected to remain largely similar to the group that faced Afghanistan in June.
Jasprit Bumrah Fitness a Major Talking Point
One of the biggest selection decisions concerns Jasprit Bumrah.
India’s premier fast bowler is recovering from the knee problem that kept him out of the third ODI against England.
Bumrah is considered likely to be selected if his recovery progresses as expected.
Mohammed Siraj, who led India’s pace attack against Afghanistan in Bumrah’s absence, is also expected to retain his place.
Will Auqib Nabi Finally Get His Opportunity?
Another interesting selection discussion could surround Auqib Nabi.
The pacer finished as the leading wicket-taker in the previous Ranji Trophy season, putting himself firmly in contention for national selection.
Whether the selectors reward his domestic performances with a place in the Sri Lanka Test squad will be one of the key developments to watch.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Doubtful for Sri Lanka Tests
Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy is unlikely to be selected for the Sri Lanka Test series.
Reddy has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after suffering a quadriceps injury last month.
Although he has resumed bowling, the five-day matches against Sri Lanka are reportedly expected to come too soon in his recovery process.
The all-rounder is instead being targeted for a return during India’s white-ball assignments in September.
Reddy last represented India in the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai in June.
Important Few Weeks Ahead for Team India
The coming weeks could therefore bring several important decisions for Indian cricket.
The BCCI must assess what went wrong during the Ireland and England tours, determine the future of members of Gambhir’s coaching staff and simultaneously finalise the Test squad for Sri Lanka.
With Bumrah’s fitness, Nitish’s rehabilitation and Auqib Nabi’s potential selection also on the agenda, both the review and selection meetings could have significant implications for India’s immediate future.
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