Soham Desai announced departure from his role as the Indian cricket team's strength and conditioning coach on Saturday (May 31).
Desai, who has been at the helm of the team since Ravi Shastri's tenure, penned a long note announcing that he is moving on from the national team.
Taking to Instagram, Desai thanked the Indian team management and listed the incredible achievements that he had been a part of with the Indian side.
It was earlier reported that multiple members of the support staff were sacked by the BCCI in the wake of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 debacle. Despite India’s win the Champions Trophy 2025, they were let go at the end of their tenure.
Abhishek Nayar, who was associated with the Indian team as assistant coach, joined the KKR coaching staff midway through the IPL 2025, and now Desai has announced his exit from the team.
"What an honour and privilege it’s been to serve Indian Cricket over the years. From day one, the vision was crystal clear — break mental barriers, chase global excellence, stay true to my values, never fear failure. Keep showing up, no matter what," Soham Desai wrote on Instagram.
"Forever grateful to @ravishastriofficial and @virat.kohli for backing a 29-year-old coming onto the world stage with a dream. To #RahulDravid and @rohitsharma45 — What can I say? Your faith, support, and trust have shaped every step of this journey. Can’t thank you guys enough," he added.
"A big shoutout to the physios, sports therapists, operations team and team doc — I could only do what I did because of your relentless support. Thank you for always being there," concluded the strength and conditioning coach.
India pacer Mohammed Siraj acknowledged Soham Desai’s services for the team, thanking him for everything that he had done to keep him fit.
"It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone who’s been more than a coach, who’s been a guide, a mentor, a brother. This is not the end but see you later. Your impact will stay with me forever. Your absence will be felt in the dressing room, in the gym, and in every sprint we run," Siraj wrote on Instagram.
India’s spin all-rounder Axar Patel also penned a heartfelt note for Desai. “With you it's different Dil saccha Karm accha Baki sab bhole ki kripa,” Axar wrote on Instagram.
The BCCI is yet to announce the next strength and conditioning coach. But the announcement of the new support staff personnel is expected to be made soon as the team leaves for the five-Test tour of England in a week or so.
