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Ryan ten Doeschate Wants to Quit India Coaching Role? Final Decision Now Hinges on Gautam Gambhir’s Call
Reports suggest assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has informed the BCCI of his wish to step away due to family commitments, but Gautam Gambhir’s decision could determine his future with Team India.
New Delhi: Team India’s coaching setup could be on the verge of a significant change as reports indicate that assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has expressed his desire to leave the national team’s support staff. While the move is reportedly driven by personal reasons, the final decision is expected to rest with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
The development comes at a difficult time for the Indian cricket team, which has recently faced criticism following disappointing performances in the ongoing white-ball season. Consecutive defeats against Ireland and England have intensified questions surrounding the team’s strategy and management.
According to reports, ten Doeschate has already communicated his intention to the BCCI after the completion of his current coaching contract. However, his departure is yet to receive official approval, meaning he remains part of the Indian coaching staff for now.
If the request is accepted, India’s third ODI against England at Lord’s on July 19 could become the former Netherlands all-rounder’s final assignment with the national team.
Family Comes First
Sources suggest that family responsibilities are the primary reason behind ten Doeschate’s decision. Living away from home for extended periods has reportedly become increasingly challenging.
With his wife managing professional commitments in London and their three young sons growing up, the former cricketer is believed to be looking for a role that offers a better work-life balance and significantly less travel.
Those close to the situation insist that the decision is unrelated to dissatisfaction with the Indian team or the coaching environment. Instead, it reflects a personal choice aimed at spending more time with his family.
A Trusted Lieutenant of Gautam Gambhir
Ryan ten Doeschate has enjoyed a close professional relationship with Gautam Gambhir for several years. Their successful partnership at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League eventually led Gambhir to recommend him for India’s coaching setup after taking charge of the national side in 2024.
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Within Team India, ten Doeschate has been regarded as one of Gambhir’s most dependable assistants, contributing to match preparation, player development and tactical planning.
Given their strong working relationship, there is speculation that Gambhir could attempt to convince him to continue with the team. Whether that effort succeeds remains uncertain.
A Crucial Decision for Team India
The reported development arrives during a period when India’s coaching staff is already under pressure. Recent losses have sparked widespread debate over team selections, planning and overall performance, placing additional attention on the support staff.
Should ten Doeschate eventually step down, India may need to identify a suitable replacement at a time when consistency and stability are considered essential for the team’s future campaigns.
For now, neither the BCCI nor Team India has made an official announcement regarding the matter. Until then, the cricketing world will closely watch whether Gambhir’s backing can persuade one of his most trusted coaching colleagues to remain with the national side.
