India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has expressed concern over the drop in proficiency against spin bowling that has historically been a hallmark of Indian cricket. In a recent interview with TalkSport Cricket, ten Doeschate pointed to a possible shift in the team’s mindset towards mastering high-quality fast bowling as a contributing factor. India, which once prided itself on its superior spin play, seems to have lost some of its edge. The Dutchman’s comments come in the wake of a disappointing One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, where the Indian side lost a staggering 27 wickets to spin.
“The Indian mindset has been so focused on performing well overseas that we’ve let our strength—playing spin—take a backseat,” ten Doeschate said. “It’s one of the challenges I wasn’t expecting, and it’s something that needs addressing.”
Ten Doeschate is one of the three new assistant coaches working under the newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. While former South African pacer Morne Morkel is set to contribute significantly to the bowling department, ten Doeschate alongside Abhishek Nayar will focus on refining batting strategies. Ten Doeschate clarified that his approach wouldn’t be heavily technical. “I don’t think much of what we’re going to bring is technical knowledge. It’s more about shifting mindsets, increasing situational awareness, and helping players control different phases of the game,” he explained. “It’s about throwing ideas out there, de-briefing, and keeping the mental space positive.”
The current phase is critical for the Indian cricket team, having recently been crowned world champions in the T20 format. They are now gearing up for major upcoming tournaments, including the World Test Championship (WTC) and the Champions Trophy.
“It’s an exciting yet daunting time,” ten Doeschate admitted. “We’re looking forward to qualifying for the WTC final with 10 Tests left—five in India over the next couple of months, followed by five more in Australia at the end of 2024.”
Indeed, the schedule is grueling. The team must swiftly transition between different formats while preparing for high-stakes competitions. “The immediate focus will be on the upcoming three ODIs as part of our prep for the Champions Trophy.
. It’s going to be challenging. But it’s also very motivating because these are the tournaments and series everyone dreams of being a part of,” he remarked.
With the WTC cycle extending into 2025 and a tour of England slated for the summer of that year, the long-term planning also becomes a crucial component of the coaching staff’s agenda. The 2026 T20 World Cup further adds to the list of objectives the team is setting its sights on.
Ten Doeschate acknowledged that inheriting a team fresh off a World Cup victory heightens the pressure. “Timing-wise, it’s tough to step into a team that’s just clinched the World Cup. But looking ahead at what’s in store over the next 18 months—it’s enticing. These are the series you want to be involved in, these are the challenges you eagerly look forward to.”
While ten Doeschate speaks of the need for mental toughness and a refreshed approach to spin, the broader aim is clear: reclaiming India’s status as the best players of spin in the world. “Getting back to our roots and excelling at what we were always known for is crucial. We can balance our prowess against both fast and spin bowling. This is a journey, and it will take a concerted effort, but I am optimistic,” he concluded.
As the Indian team readies itself for the forthcoming schedule, the new coaching ensemble led by Gambhir has a monumental task ahead. They must bridge any gaps in skill and strategy swiftly while maintaining the winning momentum. The forthcoming fixtures, especially on home soil, provide an excellent opportunity for the team to reassert their dominance and fine-tune their gameplay.
Ryan ten Doeschate’s candid assessment and strategic vision signify that India’s cricketing think-tank is in capable hands. The focus on mental robustness, situational acumen, and a renewed commitment to spin could well be the cornerstone on which India’s future successes are built. With pivotal tournaments on the horizon, the cricketing world will be keenly observing how these plans translate into performance on the field.