A week after India won the World Cup title by defeating Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa, the team could soon see a new addition to their support staff.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly in talks with Nathan Kiely, the strength and conditioning coach of the Bangladesh men’s cricket team, for a key role at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru.
According to reports, the BCCI has been expanding its fitness and conditioning unit at the COE. If the deal is finalized, Kiely will become the first foreign strength and conditioning coach to be involved with the Indian women’s team.
Currently, AI Harrsha looks after the team’s fitness, but it is believed that the board is planning to assign him a new role. The S&C coaches from the COE usually rotate across different teams, senior, junior, and developmental, ensuring a common training system for all Indian cricketers.
So far, all women’s team trainers have been Indian professionals. Kiely’s appointment would mark a first for Indian women’s cricket, bringing in international expertise and modern training methods. Kiely, apart from working with Bangladesh, has also served as an assistant coach for New South Wales in Australia, gaining valuable experience in high-performance programs.
If confirmed, Kiely’s arrival would underline the BCCI’s growing focus on enhancing fitness standards and global exposure for women cricketers, a move aimed at continuing the momentum from their World Cup glory and making it a habit of clinching titles.
India’s path to World Cup success began in July 2025, when they made history by beating England in both ODI and T20I series for the first time on English soil. They won the T20Is 3-2 and the ODIs 2-1, setting the tone for a strong season ahead. Before the World Cup, India hosted Australia for a three-match ODI series, which they lost 1-2, but gained confidence from the final match in Delhi, where they nearly chased down a record total.
India’s next challenge will be an Asian challenge where they will take on neighbours Bangladesh, however the dates have not yet been finalised. Post which, the Women in Blue will tour Australia in February-March 2026, featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and one Test.
Both the series will be a key test as the world champions look to carry forward their winning momentum and set the narrative for the T20 World Cup next year.
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