India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate is set to part ways with the national team after expressing his desire to step down from his role. If approved by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and head coach Gautam Gambhir, the former Netherlands all-rounder could leave the setup following the third and final ODI against England on July 19.
According to reports, ten Doeschate has already informed the BCCI of his intention to move on. The decision is understood to be driven entirely by personal reasons, with sources indicating that the separation, if finalized, will be amicable and based on mutual consent.
Personal Reasons Behind Decision
Ten Doeschate is not leaving because of dissatisfaction with his role or differences within the coaching group.
Instead, the 45-year-old is believed to have decided that the demanding travel schedule associated with India’s international calendar has become increasingly difficult to balance with family life.
His wife is currently working in London, while the couple’s three young sons also require his attention. Spending extended periods away from home has reportedly influenced his decision to seek a coaching role that offers greater stability and significantly less travel.
With his family based in England, stepping away from India’s full-time coaching setup would allow him to spend more time at home.
Contract Nears Completion
Ten Doeschate joined the Indian coaching staff in July 2024 after Gautam Gambhir was appointed head coach.
His initial two-year contract is understood to have reached its conclusion this month, making the current England tour a natural point for both sides to reassess the arrangement.
If the BCCI grants his request, the third ODI at Lord’s on July 19 will mark his final assignment with the Indian team.
Gambhir May Still Try to Retain Him
Despite ten Doeschate’s request, his departure is not yet official.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir is believed to value the former Netherlands international highly and may still attempt to convince him to continue.
The two share a close professional relationship that dates back to their time together in franchise cricket, and Gambhir personally recommended ten Doeschate’s appointment after taking charge of the Indian team.
Over the past two years, Gambhir has frequently praised his assistant coach’s tactical understanding, preparation and ability to work closely with players.
Given India’s recent struggles across formats, Gambhir may prefer continuity within his coaching group rather than losing one of his trusted colleagues.
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Unclear Coaching Responsibilities
Although ten Doeschate has played an important role within the coaching staff, his responsibilities have sometimes overlapped with those of other coaches.
Widely regarded as an excellent fielding coach during his coaching career, he has worked alongside T Dilip, who continues to serve as India’s specialist fielding coach.
As a result, ten Doeschate’s contribution has often extended into broader assistant coaching duties, including tactical planning, batting inputs and player mentoring.
While he has remained an influential figure behind the scenes, his exact role has not always been clearly defined within the larger coaching structure.
T Dilip Not Leaving
Amid speculation surrounding changes in India’s support staff, reports had suggested that fielding coach T Dilip could also leave the national setup.
However, those claims have been dismissed.
Sources indicate that Dilip, who originally joined under former head coach Rahul Dravid, will continue as India’s fielding coach and remains part of the BCCI’s long-term plans.
His position is therefore unaffected by ten Doeschate’s expected departure.
Successful Two-Year Stint
During his two years with the Indian team, ten Doeschate became a respected member of the dressing room.
Known for his calm personality and strong communication skills, he earned the trust of both senior and younger players while working closely with Gambhir and the rest of the coaching group.
His international playing experience with the Netherlands, combined with years of coaching in franchise cricket around the world, helped bring valuable tactical insight to India’s preparations.
Although he stayed largely away from the spotlight, his influence behind the scenes was widely appreciated.
BCCI Yet to Make Official Decision
The BCCI has not yet issued an official statement regarding ten Doeschate’s future.
With India currently in the middle of the England tour, the board is expected to wait until the completion of the ODI series before making any formal announcement.
Should his request be accepted, the parting is expected to be respectful, reflecting the positive relationship between the coach, the players and the management.
A Mutual Goodbye
If Ryan ten Doeschate’s stint ends this week, it will conclude a successful two-year association with Indian cricket.
His departure appears to be motivated not by professional concerns but by a desire to prioritize family life after years of constant travel.
While Gautam Gambhir may still attempt to persuade him to stay, all indications suggest that India could soon bid farewell to one of its trusted assistant coaches in what is expected to be a friendly and mutually agreed separation.