England legend 'available' to join Gautam Gambhir-led coaching staff as batting coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are reportedly looking for a batting coach after India failed to perform in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The report came after Rohit Sharma-led India lost 1-3 in the five-Test match series against Australia. With the series loss against Australia, the Men in Blue are out of the World Test Championship (WTC) contention which is scheduled to take place in England later this year.

Cricbuzz reported that BCCI are considering adding a new member to head coach Gautam Gambhir's support staff.

"...a few names are being considered, including former domestic cricket heavyweights. However, no final decision has been made," the report claimed, giving rise to further speculations.

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England cricketing legend Kevin Pietersen throws his hat in the ring for this particular post. Pietersen posted that he is available to become India's batting coach.

Pietersen is one of the legendary batter England have ever produced. He played 104 Tests scoring 8181 runs at an average of 47.28. He smashed 23 centuries in the longest format of the game. He is the third-ever England batter to reach this milestone after Joe Root (36) and Alastair Cook (33). The South Africa-born cricketer scored 4440 runs in 136 ODIs at an average of 40.73. He also has an impressive record in the 37 T20Is that he played for England, scoring 1176 runs at a strike of 140. However, Pietersen does not have any experience coaching a top-level cricket team.

Team India are currently preparing for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England which is scheduled to start from February 6. After that, the Rohit Sharma-led side will travel to Dubai for the Champions Trophy where they will face Bangladesh in their opener clash on February 20. Champions Trophy 2025 will start from February 19 and will take place in Pakistan and Dubai.