Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has expressed interest in taking on the role of batting coach for India, working with stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Following two consecutive Test series defeats, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of India’s coaching staff. According to cricket website Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering adding a new member, specifically a batting coach, to Gautam Gambhir’s coaching staff. Pietersen has publicly shown interest in the role.
Cricbuzz reported on Wednesday night that BCCI is evaluating the possibility of bringing in a batting coach. Indian cricket analyst Mufaddal Vohra shared this news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The next day, Pietersen replied to the post, saying, “Available.”
After losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 in Australia, India’s head coach Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar held their first meeting last Saturday in Mumbai. Among other topics, they discussed the performance and roles of the coaching staff.
As per the Cricbuzz report, several names are being considered for the batting coach position, but no final decision has been made. Currently, India does not have a designated batting coach. Gambhir decided against having one when he formed his coaching staff, opting instead for two assistant coaches, Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. Both are known for their batting skills during their playing careers, and Nayar has earned a solid reputation as a batting coach in domestic cricket and the IPL.
The coaching team also includes Morne Morkel as bowling coach and T Dilip as fielding coach.
India’s coaching staff has faced criticism after being whitewashed by New Zealand at home and losing the Test series in Australia. Kohli’s repeated dismissals in similar fashion have added to the scrutiny.
Pietersen, who is currently working as a commentator and presenter in South Africa’s SA20 franchise league and is a regular commentator in the IPL, has no prior coaching experience at the elite level.
During his career, the stylish 44-year-old batsman represented England in 104 Tests, scoring over 8,000 runs at an average of 47.28, including 23 centuries—England’s third-highest tally. He also amassed nearly 4,500 runs in 136 ODIs at an average of 40.73 and 1,176 runs in 37 T20Is at a strike rate of 141.51.
