Kevin Pietersen puts his name in the ring for India's batting coach position

Kevin Pietersen retired from professional cricket in 2018.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has presented himself as an option for India’s vacant batting coach role.

On Wednesday, a report in Cricbuzz emerged, stating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are mulling over roping in a full-time batting coach following the struggles of the Indian batsmen, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, against New Zealand and Australia.

A few months ago, India suffered an embarrassing 3-0 white-wash at home – their first in history – to New Zealand. It also brought an end to India’s 12-year dominance at home. Then, the Asian giants lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 by 3-1 in Australia, losing grip on the trophy after eight years.

Following the review meeting between the top BCCI officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma, one of the key points to emerge is the requirement of a batting coach.

Currently, the Indian coaching staff includes head coach Gambhir, bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip, and two assistant coaches – Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar.

The BCCI has reportedly pondered over a few names for the batting coach position, including former domestic giants. The BCCI has often leaned towards Indian players for bowling and batting coaches.

Kevin Pietersen makes himself “available” to the BCCI

As this news of the BCCI’s apparent search for a batting coach went on social media, England’s batting great Kevin Pietersen jumped in the race, by tweeting that he is available for the position.

Check out his tweet:

Available!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 16, 2025

Pietersen is hailed as one of the finest batsmen to have played the game. He was a key part of the England side that won the away Ashes series in 2010/11, the series in India in 2012/13, and rose to the No. 1 ICC test team ranking.

He retired from professional cricket in 2018 but has not held a permanent coaching role at an international team.

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