Ryan ten Doeschate's Reported India Exit Linked To Unfulfilled Coaching Promise
By Shivam Kumar | Senior Sports Reporter
Ryan ten Doeschate has reportedly informed the BCCI of his intention to leave India's coaching staff, with PTI reporting that an unfulfilled promise over a fielding coaching role is among the reasons behind the move. The board has not officially confirmed his departure, meaning the situation remains under discussion as India's white-ball tour of England continues.
The former Netherlands all-rounder joined India's support staff after Gautam Gambhir was appointed head coach in 2024. Since then, he has worked alongside bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar before the latter's departure earlier this year. According to PTI, cited by NDTV, Ten Doeschate believes he was initially assured greater responsibility over the team's fielding programme, but that role continued to be handled by T Dilip.
What Led To Ryan ten Doeschate's Reported Decision?
According to PTI, the issue dates back to discussions held before India's new coaching group was assembled. The report says Ten Doeschate accepted the assistant coach position with the understanding that he would eventually oversee fielding responsibilities, but the arrangement never changed.
However, that is only one part of the picture. Cricbuzz reported that personal and family considerations have also influenced the former Dutch international's thinking. The publication added that Ten Doeschate has expressed his desire to step away but that Gautam Gambhir has not yet signed off on the proposal, meaning the matter remains unresolved.
Historically, India's coaching staff has undergone several structural changes whenever a new head coach has taken charge. Rahul Dravid's tenure saw a different support team to Ravi Shastri's, while Gambhir's appointment in 2024 also brought significant reshuffling. Ten Doeschate's reported decision would represent another notable change if formalised.
"Ryan ten Doeschate has expressed his desire to leave, but there has been no official confirmation from the BCCI regarding his exit."
— PTI report, as cited by NDTV.
Why The Fielding Coach Role Became A Talking Point
Fielding has become one of the most specialised departments in international cricket, with dedicated coaches now forming an essential part of every elite support staff. T Dilip has occupied that role for India across multiple coaching regimes and has generally retained the confidence of the management.
According to PTI, the reported expectation that Ten Doeschate would eventually assume those responsibilities was never realised. Neither the BCCI nor Dilip has publicly commented on the claim, and there has been no official explanation regarding the coaching structure.
At the same time, reports suggest the situation cannot be viewed solely through the lens of coaching responsibilities. Cricbuzz indicated that family commitments have also contributed to Ten Doeschate's thinking, presenting a broader context than the fielding role alone. Without an official statement from either the BCCI or the coach himself, the precise balance between professional and personal reasons remains unclear.
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What Happens Next?
The immediate focus remains India's ongoing ODI series against England. According to Cricbuzz, Ten Doeschate is expected to continue with the touring party while discussions continue, although no final decision has been publicly announced.
If the BCCI accepts his reported request, India's coaching group would require another restructuring ahead of future international assignments. Until then, the board and team management are expected to maintain continuity as the England tour progresses.
India's next confirmed fixture is the third ODI against England at Lord's, where attention will remain on both the on-field contest and any official communication regarding the support staff. Until the BCCI issues a statement, Ten Doeschate's future with Team India remains a developing story.