NEW DELHI: While the Indian cricket board (BCCI) is busy resolving issues concerning India’s Test team, it has emerged that head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel hit a rocky patch during the Australia tour. Sources said BCCI brass has been apprised of an incident during one of the practice sessions that needs to be resolved soon.
TOI has learnt that Morkel had arrived at the training a tad late due to a personal meeting earlier on tour.
“Gambhir is very strict about discipline. He reprimanded Morkel immediately at the ground. The board has been told that Morkel was a bit reserved during the rest of the tour. It’s up to these two to sort it out for the team to function smoothly,” the BCCI source told TOI.
It has also been learnt that BCCI is keeping a close eye on the support staff ’s performance and has been seeking feedback from senior players on their contribution.
Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar had also questioned the role of the batting coach after Virat Kohli was repeatedly caught edging the ball.
“Batting coach Abhishek Nayar is particularly under the scanner. Gambhir himself has been an accomplished batter. The board has asked the players if Nayar is bringing anything new to the table. Similarly, the assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate’s role is being discussed. His lack of international experience and ability to contribute to enhancing an international cricketer’s performance has been questioned,” the source said.
The board is contemplating capping the contracts of support staff down the ranks to two-three years.
“The board feels loyalty issues creep in after the coaches spend a lot of time with the team. But it has benefited from a side-arm specialist who offers throwdowns,” the source said.
