BCCI Plans Shake-Up After England Series, Gautam Gambhir Tipped for Key Role

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to make a major overhaul of the support staff of the Indian cricket team after the culmination of the current Test series against England, as per a report by The Telegraph.

Although newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir is likely to be kept on for the time being, the functions of bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate seem to have come under the scanner.

According to the report, although a formal review process would be launched once the series concludes, no decisions are going to be finalized prior to the end of the Asia Cup in September.

Both Morkel and Ten Doeschate were recruited as part of Gambhir's coaching team. But sources within the BCCI are said to be of the view that their influence has been restricted and a reorganisation could be on the cards to reinforce the backroom team of the team.

With Gambhir, however, sources indicate the BCCI is still keen on providing him with time, particularly given the team's current transitional phase. "The coaches keep referring to balance but leaving out a world-class wrist spinner like Kuldeep Yadav has had catastrophic results," a BCCI official said to The Telegraph, citing recent selection choices that have invited widespread criticism.

The move most hotly disputed was that of playing Anshul Kamboj before Kuldeep Yadav in the fourth Test. The exclusion of Kuldeep—a player known for his game-altering qualities—resulted in severe backlash from both fans and cricket analysts.

The BCCI is also keeping a close eye on chief selector Ajit Agarkar and East Zone selector Shiv Sundar Das. Sources say there is increasing discontent about potential clashes between selectors and the team management over team choices, especially in the wake of Kuldeep's omissions.

As per the report, officials at BCCI are particularly unhappy with Morne Morkel's period, as they hold him responsible for not grooming or recognizing any upcoming fast bowlers during his term. This has increased the urgency of possible changes within the bowling unit.

With India set to host their next Test series against the West Indies, insiders feel the BCCI may use that series as a testing ground for new support staff or an invigorated team structure.