In a recent analysis of India’s performance, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate voiced concerns that the team’s diminishing proficiency against spin bowling could be attributed to a deliberate emphasis on handling high-quality fast bowling. This shift in focus, though intended to bolster India’s prospects in foreign tours, appears to have had the unintended consequence of eroding a historical strength. India, traditionally dominant against spin, faced a remarkable setback with spin troubling the lineup significantly during the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, as evidenced by the loss of 27 wickets to spin.
“The Indian players’ mindset has become so driven to perform well overseas that their focus on playing spin, once their forte, has been sidestepped,” ten Doeschate shared in a candid interview with TalkSport Cricket. He further elaborated on the challenges of the evolving dynamics within the team, stating, “I think one of the challenges that I wasn’t expecting and kind of overlooked is the playing of spin.”
Ten Doeschate emphasized that the team’s strategic priority had pivoted towards excelling in conditions found in cricketing hubs like Australia and England. “The focus has transitioned to performing admirably in places like Australia and England. However, in doing so, we’ve somewhat neglected playing spin, which has traditionally been an advantage for the Indian team. Restoring that strength is an area I’m keen on addressing. I want to see the Indian players reclaim their spot as the world’s best players of spin.”
The Dutchman is now one of three assistant coaches working under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. While Morne Morkel is anticipated to play a significant role in refining the bowling unit, ten Doeschate, alongside Abhishek Nayar, is charged with addressing the batting challenges. According to ten Doeschate, the corrective measures will not necessarily be technical. “What we’re aiming to offer isn’t solely technical knowledge,” he mentioned.
“It’s more about shifting mindsets, enhancing situational awareness, and providing guidance on how to navigate different phases of the game effectively. We’re throwing ideas out there, conducting debriefs, and maintaining a positive mental space for the players.
. Keeping mental sharpness is going to be critical.”
Timing-wise, the newly formed coaching staff finds themselves at an inflection point in the team’s journey. Fresh off their triumph in the T20 World Cup, India faces significant impending targets, including the World Test Championship (WTC) and the Champions Trophy. Ten Doeschate acknowledged the pressures and opportunities that lie ahead. “It’s exciting and daunting all at once,” he remarked. “We’re eyeing the WTC final, with 10 Tests lined up – five in India over the next few months and another five in Australia late next year.”
Ten Doeschate also touched on the medium-term goal of the Champions Trophy. “With just three ODIs remaining in our preparation phase, the switch between formats will be demanding. But it’s a challenge the team is eager to tackle, considering their aspiration to win the Champions Trophy,” he added.
Looking further ahead in the cricketing calendar, ten Doeschate is optimistic about the opportunities that await. “The tour to England during the summer of 2025, as part of the next WTC cycle, promises to be fantastic. Preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup post that tour is another exciting task. While joining a team fresh from a World Cup win comes with its set of pressures, the forthcoming 18 months are laden with enticing series and formidable challenges. It’s the kind of scenario any coach aspires to be a part of.”
This evolving phase of India’s strategic focus and preparation underscores the adaptive nature of modern cricket, emphasizing a balance between mental preparedness and technical acumen to retain and reclaim strengths crucial to success across diverse competitive environments.