The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Hrishikesh Kanitkar as the head coach of the India A squad for their upcoming tour of England, beginning May 30, 2025. This decision, reported by sources like the Times of India, signals a strategic move by the BCCI to bolster India’s cricketing pipeline during a period of significant transition. With Gautam Gambhir at the helm of the senior team, Kanitkar’s role with India A is set to play a pivotal part in preparing the next wave of Test cricketers for the challenges ahead, particularly in the context of recent retirements and India’s evolving Test ambitions.
Kanitkar’s Coaching Pedigree
Hrishikesh Kanitkar, a former Maharashtra stalwart, is no stranger to the demands of competitive cricket. During his playing career, he featured in two Test matches and 34 One-Day Internationals for India, earning a reputation for his grit and composure. His domestic record is formidable, amassing over 8,000 runs in first-class cricket, which underscores his deep understanding of the game’s longer format.
Kanitkar’s transition to coaching has been equally noteworthy. He previously guided the Indian women’s team to a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games, showcasing his ability to lead under pressure. His experience extends to the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he served as a coach for the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, and to domestic cricket, where he mentored the Maharashtra team. Known for his methodical approach and ability to connect with players, Kanitkar is well-equipped to steer the India A squad through the rigors of an English tour.
The BCCI’s choice of Kanitkar over Gautam Gambhir, who is currently focused on leading the senior team across formats, reflects a deliberate strategy to separate the developmental and senior team coaching roles. While Gambhir prepares the senior side for a high-stakes five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025, Kanitkar’s mandate is to nurture a robust bench strength capable of stepping into the senior setup seamlessly.
The England Tour: A Testing Ground
The India A tour of England is a cornerstone of India’s preparations for the senior team’s Test campaign. The itinerary includes two first-class matches against the England Lions and an intra-squad game against the Indian senior team, offering young players a chance to acclimatize to English conditions. These conditions—marked by swing, seam, and overcast skies—have historically tested the technique and temperament of Indian cricketers.
Led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, with Dhruv Jurel as vice-captain, the India A squad blends seasoned domestic performers with emerging talents. The inclusion of Karun Nair, a surprise pick, and Ishan Kishan, whose selection hints at a potential return to the national fold, adds intrigue to the squad. Under Kanitkar’s guidance, these players will aim to hone their skills and stake a claim for senior team berths.
The tour’s timing is critical. Indian cricket is in flux following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, which have left significant voids in the Test lineup. Recent performances, including a 3-0 home loss to New Zealand and a 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, have exposed vulnerabilities in India’s Test setup. The India A tour, therefore, is not just a developmental exercise but a vital step in rebuilding India’s Test credentials.
Kanitkar’s Approach to Coaching
Kanitkar’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, adaptability, and player development. His success with the Indian women’s team highlighted his knack for fostering a cohesive unit while tailoring strategies to individual needs. Insiders from the Maharashtra cricket circuit praise Kanitkar’s calm demeanor and focus on technical refinement, qualities that will serve him well in preparing the India A squad for English conditions.
In contrast to Gautam Gambhir’s intense and hands-on coaching style, Kanitkar adopts a more measured approach, prioritizing player autonomy and mental resilience. This difference underscores the BCCI’s intent to balance Gambhir’s high-energy leadership with Kanitkar’s nurturing touch, ensuring a holistic development pathway for Indian cricketers.
Indian Cricket at a Crossroads
Kanitkar’s appointment comes amid a broader transformation in Indian cricket. Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as senior team coach has been a mixed bag. While he led India to victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, his Test record has drawn scrutiny, particularly after India missed out on the World Test Championship final. The BCCI has responded with changes to the coaching staff, parting ways with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, fielding coach T Dilip, and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai. New appointments, including Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach and Ryan ten Doeschate as fielding coach, signal a reset under Gambhir’s leadership.
For Kanitkar, the India A role is an opportunity to contribute to this rebuilding phase. By developing players capable of thriving in Test cricket’s demanding environment, he can help bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket. The tour’s outcomes will have far-reaching implications, not only for the players but also for India’s long-term Test aspirations.
Challenges and Opportunities
Coaching India A in England presents both challenges and opportunities for Kanitkar. The England Lions, featuring talents like James Rew, are a formidable opponent in home conditions, where their bowlers are likely to exploit the swinging Dukes ball. Kanitkar must ensure his players are technically and mentally prepared to counter these conditions, a task that requires meticulous planning and execution.
Managing a diverse squad is another challenge. Players like Karun Nair, with Test experience, and youngsters like Dhruv Jurel, still establishing themselves, have different needs. Kanitkar’s ability to balance these dynamics while fostering a unified team spirit will be crucial.
On the flip side, the tour offers significant opportunities. For players like Ishan Kishan, a strong showing could reignite their international careers. For Kanitkar, success with India A could elevate his standing within the BCCI, potentially opening doors to future roles with the senior team. The tour is also a chance to showcase India’s depth, reassuring fans and selectors that the post-Rohit-Kohli era is in capable hands.
Looking Ahead
As India embarks on a new World Test Championship cycle, the interplay between Gambhir’s senior team and Kanitkar’s India A squad will be pivotal. The England tour—both for the senior team and the A side—marks the start of a defining chapter for Indian Test cricket. Kanitkar’s role, though less high-profile than Gambhir’s, is no less critical. His ability to mold raw talent into Test-ready cricketers will shape India’s fortunes in the years to come.
The BCCI’s faith in Kanitkar reflects his proven track record and potential to deliver. As the India A squad gears up for England, Kanitkar and his players carry the weight of expectation and the promise of a new era. Whether this tour becomes a launchpad for future stars or a testament to Kanitkar’s coaching prowess, it is a vital step in Indian cricket’s journey toward reclaiming Test supremacy.
