India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has acknowledged a pressing issue that has emerged within the national cricket team, which is traditionally reputed for its prowess against spin bowling. According to ten Doeschate, a strategic pivot towards excelling against fast bowling in overseas conditions might have inadvertently led to the erosion of India’s once formidable skills against spin. This revelation comes in the wake of a disappointing showing against Sri Lankan spinners, where the Indian team lost as many as 27 wickets in a recent One Day International (ODI) series.
In a recent interview with TalkSport Cricket, ten Doeschate disclosed his perspective on this critical shift in playing mindset. “The Indian mindset has become so driven to do well overseas that the focus has moved away from what was once their strength—playing spin,” he remarked. This paradigm shift was something he admitted to have initially overlooked but now sees as a primary area for improvement.
“Given our recent undoing in Sri Lanka, it is evident that Indian batsmen’s skills against spin have waned. The relentless drive to succeed in places like Australia and England has resulted in the neglect of a skill that was historically a hallmark of the Indian batting lineup. My goal is to restore that prowess so that India can reclaim its status as the world’s best when it comes to facing spin,” he emphasized.
Ryan ten Doeschate joins the Indian coaching staff as one of the three assistant coaches working under Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach. The coaching team, composed of diverse expertise, seeks to tackle various dimensions of the game. While South African legend Morne Morkel is expected to bolster the bowling unit, ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar are tasked primarily with refining the batting strategies.
Elaborating on his approach, ten Doeschate suggested that the remedial efforts would prioritize mental readiness over technical overhauls. “I don’t think much of what we’re going to bring is technical knowledge to these guys,” he explained. “The focus will be on mindsets, situational awareness, and strategic control during different phases of the game.
. It will involve brainstorming, thorough debriefings, and maintaining a positive mental space. These psychological tunings are crucial for the team’s overall performance.”
The integration of the new coaching team comes at a pivotal moment in Indian cricket. Recently crowned champions of the T20 World Cup, the team now sets its sights on the World Test Championship (WTC) and the Champions Trophy. Ryan ten Doeschate articulated the dual feelings of excitement and intimidation as he steps into his new role.
“It’s exciting and kind of daunting at the same time,” he confessed. “We’re aiming to qualify for the WTC final, and with 10 Tests ahead—five in India soon and another five in Australia at the end of 2024—the opportunities are immense.”
He also underscored the upcoming challenges in adapting to multiple formats. “The immediate objective is to get ready for the Champions Trophy. With only three ODIs left to prepare, transitioning between formats is going to be tough, but it is something the team is desperate to achieve.”
Looking further ahead, ten Doeschate envisioned a rigorous schedule: “The next WTC cycle includes a tour to England in the summer of 2025, followed by prepping the team for the T20 World Cup in 2026. Coming into a team fresh off a World Cup victory is challenging but equally exhilarating. The forthcoming 18 months present a rich tapestry of high-stakes series and intense competitions—every coach’s dream.”
As Ryan ten Doeschate takes up his mantle, Indian cricket fans will be watching closely to see how his insights and strategies realign India’s strengths, particularly in reclaiming their dominance against spin bowling. His commitment to rejuvenating the team’s traditional skills, while navigating the complexities of modern cricket’s varied demands, is anticipated to make a significant impact on the team’s performance in the coming years.