Abhishek Nayar’s stint as assistant coach with the Indian cricket team ended abruptly as the BCCI removed him last week. The sacking came just eight months after his appointment into this role.
While the board hasn’t issued a statement, the move is being viewed as a direct consequence of India's struggles in home Tests against New Zealand and away in Australia.
Now, a report published in Jagran claims that India's Test and ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, wasn't even consulted in the decision to show Nayar the door.
Rohit’s opinion was reportedly sought before bringing Nayar on board when the Indian coaching staff went under a major overhaul last year.
"Abhishek's entry into the Indian team's support staff was done with Rohit's consent, but Rohit was not consulted before removing him," the report stated.
Rohit, who was struggling for runs in the ongoing IPL, returned to form against CSK on Sunday (April 20) as he played an unbeaten knock of 76 runs. Following his match-winning exploits, the MI opener took to Instagram to thank Abhishek Nayar.
The report further stated that Rohit’s public acknowledgment gives a clear indication that there is no "consensus in the Indian team management" regarding Nayar.
Team India failed to perform in Australia, losing the five-Test series 3-1. As a result, they conceded the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15. Before the Australia tour, the Rohit Sharma-led side also suffered a humiliating 3-0 whitewash in the home Test series against New Zealand.
A review meeting was held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai following the BGT debacle. During the review meeting, a member of the team management reportedly complained about dressing room conversations being leaked to the media.
However, the support staff for the Champions Trophy, which India clinched without losing a match, remained the same. Sitanshu Kotak was added as the newest backroom staff member and batting coach.
As per Jagran, a member of the Indian team management raised questions over Nayar, asking if he was so good then why the management added Kotak as the batting coach for the England white-ball series in January.
Earlier, sources confirmed to Hindustan Times that head coach Gautam Gambhir did not oppose Abhishek Nayar’s ouster as he was not pleased with his performance.
"The board officials took feedback from senior cricketers, and some were not happy with Nayar's role inside the dressing room," a BCCI source told the leading newspaper.
"Gambhir didn't oppose (to Nayar's sacking). He had to go through a lot of negotiations to bring ten Doechate and Morkel on board. There was no way he was going to let them go this early," the source added.
