Kotak with Cheteshwar Pujara, a team photo session with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Kuldeep Yadav, and VVS Laxman in frame (Pic: sitanshukotak/Instagram)
Hailing from Rajkot in Gujarat, Kotak has carved an exceptional legacy in Indian cricket, both as a dependable first-class cricketer and a highly regarded coach
As a left-handed batsman, Kotak was the bedrock of Saurashtra’s batting lineup for over a decade. In a stellar domestic career spanning 130 first-class matches, he amassed an impressive 8,061 runs at a commendable average of 41.76
Kotak’s contributions extended beyond his batting; he was also a handy bowler, taking 70 wickets for Saurashtra, further cementing his all-round value to the team
Following his retirement from competitive cricket in 2013, Kotak embarked on a new journey as a coach. He honed his craft by earning Level 1 and Level 2 coaching certifications from both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
In October 2014, Kotak was appointed head coach of the Saurashtra cricket team, marking the beginning of a highly successful coaching career. Under his leadership, Saurashtra flourished, culminating in their historic Ranji Trophy triumph in 2020
Kotak's tactical acumen and ability to nurture talent did not go unnoticed, and in August 2019, Kotak was appointed head coach of the India A team, succeeding Rahul Dravid, who transitioned to lead the National Cricket Academy (NCA)
Kotak has also made his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL), serving as an assistant coach for the Gujarat Lions in 2016. Additionally, he has been an integral part of the NCA in Bengaluru, working as a batting coach
At the NCA, he played a pivotal role in guiding young talents and assisting established players, including Rishabh Pant during his intense rehabilitation after a near-fatal accident in late 2022
With a career defined by dedication and excellence, Kotak continues to shape the future of Indian cricket, inspiring the next generation of cricketers with his vast experience and unyielding passion for the game
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