BCCI yet to name replacement after Soham Desai quits ahead of England tour

Soham Desai's exit marks the end of a transformative era with 2 world titles and zero injuries in 4 ICC events. As India gears up for the England Test series, the BCCI faces pressure to appoint a new strength and conditioning coach to maintain the team's fitness edge.

Sources:
India TodayThesportstakIndiatvnews+1
Updated 21m ago
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Sources: India TodayCircleofcricket
Soham Desai, who served as India’s strength and conditioning coach since 2021, has stepped down from his role ahead of the national team’s upcoming five-match Test tour of England.

Desai, who began his tenure during Ravi Shastri’s coaching era and continued under Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir, announced his departure on May 31, citing a desire to pursue other career options. His leadership contributed to remarkable fitness standards, including 100% player availability with zero injuries across four successive ICC events from 2022 to 2025 and two world titles.

Mohammed Siraj, India’s pacer, expressed deep gratitude, calling Desai “more than a coach, a guide, a mentor, a brother.” Siraj said, “Your absence will be felt in the dressing room, in the gym, and in every sprint we run.”

Desai reflected on his journey, emphasizing a vision to “break mental barriers, chase global excellence, stay true to my values, never fear failure.” His five years with the team included three years leading the performance program.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to announce a replacement but is expected to do so soon as the team prepares to depart for England.

Desai’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in India’s cricket fitness and conditioning, with his impact resonating strongly among players and staff alike.
Sources: India TodayCircleofcricket
Soham Desai, India’s strength and conditioning coach since 2021, has quit ahead of the England tour. The BCCI has yet to name his replacement. Desai, praised by players like Mohammed Siraj as a mentor and brother, leaves after contributing to zero injuries across four ICC events and two world titles.
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The Headline

Soham Desai quits; BCCI yet to name replacement

It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone who’s been more than a coach, who’s been a guide, a mentor, a brother. This is not the end but see you later. Your impact will stay with me forever. Your absence will be felt in the dressing room, in the gym, and in every sprint we run.
Mohammed Siraj
Indian pacer
Circleofcricket
Key Facts
  • Soham Desai officially announced his departure from the Indian cricket team on May 31, 2025, after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, choosing to pursue other career options.India TodayCircleofcricketIndiatvnews
  • Mohammed Siraj and other players expressed heartfelt gratitude and emotional goodbyes, highlighting Desai as a mentor, guide, and brother.ThesportstakCircleofcricket
  • BCCI has not yet announced a replacement for Soham Desai as the Indian cricket team prepares for their 5-match Test tour of England.India Today
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Background Context

Desai’s impactful 3-year tenure with Indian cricket

The vision was crystal clear — break mental barriers, chase global excellence, stay true to my values, never fear failure. Keep showing up, no matter what. 5 incredible years with 3 years leading the performance program. 2 world titles. 100% player availability (zero injuries) across 4 successive ICC events (2022–2025).
Soham Desai
former Indian cricket team strength and conditioning coach
Circleofcricket
Key Facts
  • Soham Desai joined the Indian cricket team in 2021 as the strength and conditioning coach during Ravi Shastri's tenure and worked under head coaches including Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir.India TodayCircleofcricketThesportstak
  • Desai led the performance program for 3 years, contributing to 2 world titles and achieving 100% player availability with zero injuries across 4 successive ICC events from 2022 to 2025.Circleofcricket
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