Ryan ten Doeschate’s India exit traces back to senior player’s intervention
India Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate Reportedly Wants to Step Down
Reports have surfaced that India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has expressed his desire to step down from his role within the coaching staff. The reason behind his decision is said to be the lack of fulfillment of the coaching role that was initially promised to him when he joined the team in 2024.
Background and Achievements
Ryan ten Doeschate joined the coaching staff of the Indian cricket team in 2024, alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir. During his tenure, India secured victories in the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, despite these successes, ten Doeschate’s dissatisfaction with his role has led to his potential departure from the team.
Unfulfilled Promises
According to reports from PTI, Ryan ten Doeschate was assured the position of a specialist fielding coach when he initially accepted the role of assistant coach. However, the transition to this specific role never materialized. A senior BCCI source highlighted that each member of the support staff has a defined responsibility, yet ten Doeschate has been without a specific role for almost two years since joining the team.
The source explained, “You have Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach, Gauti (Gambhir) overseeing the batters, Morne Morkel handling the pacers, and Sairaj Bahutule looking after the spinners. When Tendo was brought on board, he was promised the fielding coach’s job.”
Unexpected Changes in Staffing Plans
Initially, it was anticipated that T Dilip, along with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai, and masseur Arun Kanade, would be leaving the support staff after the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, plans changed due to a strong recommendation in favor of Dilip from a senior player, resulting in a one-year extension for him and leaving ten Doeschate without the promised fielding coach role.
The BCCI source elaborated, “Dilip was supposed to be removed along with Abhishek Nayar, Soham Desai, and Arun Kanade after the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, a strong recommendation came in for Dilip, leading to an extension, leaving Tendo without a specific domain role.”
Uncertain Future and Possible IPL Role
While no formal decision has been made by the BCCI regarding Ryan ten Doeschate’s future with the team, reports suggest that discussions have already taken place with an IPL franchise for a potential coaching role. Despite being praised for his coaching abilities, ten Doeschate’s expertise has not been fully utilized due to the occupation of the fielding coach position.
Gautam Gambhir is expected to make efforts to retain his trusted colleague within Team India, recognizing ten Doeschate’s skills as a coach. However, the BCCI faces a significant decision in determining the best course of action regarding the coaching staff and ten Doeschate’s role within it.
Challenges Faced by Ryan ten Doeschate
Despite being a successful cricketer himself, Ryan ten Doeschate has faced challenges in transitioning to a coaching role within the Indian cricket team. The lack of a specific domain role has hindered his ability to make a meaningful impact on the team’s performance. Without a defined responsibility, ten Doeschate has struggled to fully utilize his expertise in fielding, which was his intended area of focus when he joined the coaching staff.
Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding his role within the team has created a sense of instability for ten Doeschate. Without a clear path for career progression within the coaching setup, he may be considering other opportunities where his skills and experience can be more effectively utilized.
Potential Impact on Team India
If Ryan ten Doeschate decides to step down from his role as assistant coach, it could have implications for Team India’s coaching staff and overall performance. His departure would leave a gap in the support staff, potentially disrupting the balance and dynamics that have contributed to the team’s recent successes.
Given ten Doeschate’s coaching abilities and experience as a player, his presence has undoubtedly added value to the team. Losing him could result in a loss of valuable insights and expertise that have helped shape the team’s strategies and performance on the field.
Resolving the Coaching Staffing Dilemma
As the BCCI considers the future of the coaching staff and Ryan ten Doeschate’s role within it, a decision must be made to address the unmet promises and challenges faced by the assistant coach. It is essential for the organization to reevaluate the staffing structure and ensure that each member of the support staff has a clearly defined role that aligns with their expertise and contributions.
Open communication and transparency regarding staffing decisions are crucial to maintaining a cohesive and effective coaching setup. By addressing the concerns raised by Ryan ten Doeschate and providing him with the opportunity to fulfill his intended role as a fielding coach, the BCCI can demonstrate its commitment to supporting the growth and development of its coaching staff.
Potential IPL Opportunity for Ryan ten Doeschate
If Ryan ten Doeschate does indeed decide to step down from his role with Team India, his coaching abilities may not go unnoticed for long. Reports of discussions with an IPL franchise suggest that there is interest in leveraging his expertise in a different capacity.
An IPL coaching role could provide ten Doeschate with a new opportunity to showcase his skills and make a significant impact within a different cricketing environment. The fast-paced and competitive nature of the IPL could offer him a platform to further hone his coaching abilities and contribute to the success of a franchise team.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Ryan ten Doeschate’s potential departure from the Indian cricket team highlights the importance of clear communication, defined roles, and strategic decision-making within coaching staff setups. As the BCCI navigates the challenges presented by unfulfilled promises and staffing dilemmas, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and professional growth of all members of the support staff.
Ultimately, finding a resolution that meets the needs of both Ryan ten Doeschate and Team India will be crucial in ensuring the continued success and performance excellence of the national cricket team. As discussions and decisions unfold, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see how this situation is addressed and how it impacts the future of Indian cricket.


