Ryan ten Doeschate has reportedly informed the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) of his decision to step down as Team India’s assistant coach. According to a recent report, the former Netherlands all-rounder is considering leaving because the promises made to him when he joined the coaching setup have not been fulfilled.
While the BCCI is reportedly keen to retain ten Doeschate over current fielding coach T Dilip, the 45-year-old is actively weighing other opportunities. Dilip’s performance as fielding coach has also reportedly come under review over the past year. As per a PTI report, no official decision has been made regarding Ryan ten Doeschate‘s future with the national team.
However, he is understood to be interested in returning to the Indian Premier League (IPL), and has already held encouraging talks with one IPL franchise over a possible coaching position. Ten Doeschate became part of India’s coaching staff after being recommended by head coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he had previously worked at the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Sources claim he accepted the role after being promised that he would eventually be elevated to the position of specialist fielding coach. Nearly two years on, that promise is yet to be fulfilled, prompting him to consider moving on.
“You have Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach, and there’s Gauti (Gambhir) himself to look after the batters. Morne (Morkel) is in charge of pacers, and Sairaj (Bahutule) looks after the spinners. When Tendo (his nickname) was brought on board, he was promised the fielding coach’s job,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“Dilip was supposed to be removed along with Abhishek Nayar (assistant coach), Soham Desai (S&C coach) and Arun Kanade (masseur) after the 2025 Champions Trophy. However for Dilip, a strong recommendation came from a senior player and Dilip got a one year extension and Tendo actually didn’t have any specific domain role. He is a fantastic coach, who hasn’t been used because Dilip is there,” the senior source added.
Senior Player’s Backing Helped T Dilip Secure One-Year Extension
According to the same PTI report, T Dilip was originally expected to part ways with the Indian support staff after the 2025 Champions Trophy, along with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai, and masseur Arun Kanade.
However, Dilip is said to have earned a one-year extension after receiving the support of a senior player in the Indian team. With Dilip retaining his position, Ryan ten Doeschate has continued as assistant coach without being assigned a clearly defined role or specific area of responsibility.
“He is an outstanding coach, but his expertise hasn’t been fully utilised because the fielding coach’s position remains occupied,” the source added.
The final outcome is likely to depend on whether Gautam Gambhir can convince Ryan ten Doeschate to remain with the Indian team. Since T Dilip was not part of Gambhir’s original coaching blueprint, the matter has gained added importance ahead of India’s upcoming international commitments.
If Ryan ten Doeschate leaves the Indian team, the BCCI may have to continue with T Dilip until a permanent coaching replacement is appointed.
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