As India prepares for the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, the team’s coaching staff has welcomed a new addition: Ryan ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands batter.

Seen wearing India’s training gear in a viral social media picture, ten Doeschate joins as one of two assistant coaches under the leadership of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. This marks a new era for Indian cricket, as the team embraces a dual assistant coach setup for the first time, alongside Abhishek Nayar.

New coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach signifies a shift in India’s coaching approach, with an emphasis on versatility and experience. Ten Doeschate, known for his successful stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, brings a wealth of experience to the team.

Abhishek Nayar, also a former KKR player, joins him as the second assistant coach. The decision to include two assistant coaches instead of dedicated batting or bowling coaches reflects Gambhir’s strategic vision for the team.

This change comes after the end of Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach, along with the non-renewal of contracts for batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey. Only T Dilip, the fielding coach, remains from the previous coaching staff, highlighting a significant overhaul under Gambhir’s leadership.

Coaching roles and future plans

During a recent media briefing, Gambhir expressed satisfaction with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) approval of his coaching team selections. He revealed that the complete list of coaches will be finalized after the Sri Lanka tour. Despite the absence of a dedicated batting or bowling coach in his current support staff, Gambhir is confident that his chosen team can address all aspects of player development and strategy.

Morne Morkel, a former South African fast bowler, has emerged as a strong candidate for the role of bowling coach, signaling potential future additions to the coaching lineup. As India embarks on this new chapter with Gambhir at the helm, the team’s management is focused on creating a cohesive and dynamic support system to drive success on the international stage.

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With Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar officially joining the coaching team, India looks forward to leveraging their expertise and insights as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka and beyond.