Ryan ten Doeschate is understood to have requested permission to leave India’s coaching setup at the end of the ongoing ODI series against England, although a final decision on his future has yet to be taken.
According to a report by Cricbuzz journalist Vijay Tagore, the former Netherlands international has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India of his intention to step away after completing his current assignment, with July 19, the date of the third ODI at Lord’s, potentially marking his final day with the National team if his request is approved.
Personal reasons behind proposed departure
Ten Doeschate’s desire to move on is understood to be driven by personal considerations rather than dissatisfaction with the role. Having completed the initial two-year contract he signed when he joined India’s support staff alongside Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, he is believed to want a position that involves significantly less travel so he can spend more time with his family in London, where his wife works and the couple’s three young sons are based.
His coaching background has also shaped the discussion around his future. While ten Doeschate’s primary area of expertise is fielding, that role is already occupied by T. Dilip within India’s support staff, limiting opportunities for him to specialise in his strongest discipline during his time with the national side.
Sportstar also reported that ten Doeschate is interested in returning to franchise cricket and has attracted encouraging interest from multiple teams, although he is yet to decide on his next move.
BCCI yet to approve the move
Despite his request, the move is not yet complete, with both the BCCI and Gambhir still required to approve his departure.
A source told Sportstar: “The Board is keen on him continuing, but it’s his personal decision. It’s too early to say anything about his next move.”
The close working relationship between Gambhir and ten Doeschate means there remains a possibility that the India Head Coach could attempt to persuade his long-time colleague to remain with the national team, particularly given the demands of the international calendar and India’s recent period of transition.
Long-standing partnership with Gambhir
Ten Doeschate and Gambhir have shared a close professional relationship dating back to their time together at Kolkata Knight Riders, where the former Netherlands all-rounder played under Gambhir’s captaincy before later joining the franchise’s coaching staff.
When introducing ten Doeschate during Kolkata Knight Riders’ jersey launch event in 2024, Gambhir highlighted the qualities that made him one of the people he trusted most in cricket.
Gambhir said: “When I talk about selflessness, the greatest team man I have ever played with, the most selfless human being, someone I can take a bullet for, someone I can trust for life… In 2011, my first game as a KKR captain, we only had four overseas players available. This man had a fabulous 50-over World Cup.”
Gambhir added: “We went into 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. These are people who taught me to be a leader.”
Support staff could still retain continuity
While uncertainty remains over ten Doeschate’s future, T. Dilip is expected to continue with the India setup despite recent speculation over his position. The fielding coach, who was retained from Rahul Dravid’s coaching regime, is understood to be in line for another contract extension as India’s support staff prepares for the next phase of the international calendar.
