There may be a surprising addition to Gautam Gambhir’s support staff, and he might not be Indian. It has been learned that the new India head coach is advocating for the inclusion of Ryan ten Doeschate in the team’s backroom staff. The decision now lies with the BCCI, which has recently preferred only Indian personnel in the coaching crew.
Gambhir, who has requested a free hand in managing the team, wants the 44-year-old former Dutch international as one of his associates. Ten Doeschate has recently worked with Gambhir at the Kolkata Knight Riders, having served as the team’s fielding coach in the team’s championship-winning 2024 season. He also holds various positions with KKR’s subsidiaries in the Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket, and ILT20.
A viral video of Gambhir praising ten Doeschate was recently in circulation on social media. In the video, the former KKR mentor is seen stating that the Dutchman is the most selfless human being he has ever come across and that he would even be ready to take a bullet for him. “When I talk about selflessness, I have never said this in 42 years of my career. And I wanted to say this. The greatest team man I ever played with, the most selfless human being, someone I can take a bullet for, someone who I can trust for life.
“I can tell you this because in 2011, my first game as a KKR captain, we only had four overseas (players) available. And this man had a fabulous 50-over World Cup. And we went in that game with only three overseas players. He was carrying drinks in that game with no disappointment on his face. He taught me selflessness. Ryan ten Doeschate (sic),” Gambhir says in the video, shot at a KKR function last season. Those who know Gambhir say he tends to surround himself with people he trusts implicitly.
The current discussion centres around the position ten Doeschate might assume should he be considered. The BCCI reportedly wants to retain T Dilip, a member of Rahul Dravid’s outgoing staff, as the fielding coach. In this scenario, ten Doeschate may be brought in as an assistant coach.
. However, there is a complication: Abhishek Nayar, who is certain to join Team Gambhir, is also being considered for a similar assistant coach role rather than for a specialized batting coach role.
Some adjustments may be necessary if the BCCI eventually decides to bring ten Doeschate on board. Although a decision has not yet been made, Cricbuzz can confirm that discussions are definitely underway. If ten Doeschate does join the Indian team, KKR will be left without at least three members of its coaching team that helped it win the IPL this year.
Venky Mysore, the CEO, could not be contacted for confirmation. However, he has previously stated that the franchise management never impedes an individual’s career growth. From Matthew Mott and Trevor Bayliss to Brendon McCullum and now Gambhir, many have gone on to work for national teams after their tenure at KKR. Even the current physio of the Indian team, Kamlesh Jain, is a former KKR staff member.
In his previous assignments with the KKR franchise, ten Doeschate has shown an exemplary commitment to the team’s success. During the 2024 IPL season, his contributions as the fielding coach were frequently recognized as instrumental in the team clinching the championship. His vast experience, spanning international cricket and multiple T20 leagues, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the game, an asset that Gambhir believes will be invaluable for the Indian team.
As of now, the final decision rests with the BCCI, which has traditionally leaned towards keeping coaching roles within the Indian cadre. However, with the changing dynamics and the potential value that someone like ten Doeschate can bring to the team, the board may reconsider its stance. Introducing a foreign coach to the mix might also usher in new perspectives and methodologies, possibly resulting in a stronger, well-rounded support system for the Indian cricket team.
Gambhir’s admiration for ten Doeschate is not newfound. Their rapport goes back several years, with their collaborative success at KKR being a testament to their effective working relationship. It’s clear that Gambhir sees ten Doeschate not just as a colleague but as a trusted ally capable of fostering the team’s growth and cohesion.
The Indian cricket fraternity, known for its passionate discussions and diverse opinions, will undoubtedly be watching this space closely. The potential inclusion of ten Doeschate in India’s backroom staff could mark a significant shift in the team’s approach, blending the best of global cricketing expertise with indigenous talent.
In conclusion, while the decision remains pending, the discussions around Ryan ten Doeschate’s possible role in Team India’s coaching staff underline a progressive approach towards assembling a robust support system. As Gambhir pushes for what he believes will be a beneficial addition, the cricketing world waits with bated breath to see how this potential shake-up might unfold and impact Indian cricket moving forward.