Ryan ten Doeschate impressed with India’s pool of allrounders for future success
Building a Strong Foundation for 2027
In the evolving landscape of international cricket, the ability to field a team with deep batting and bowling capabilities is paramount. Recently, India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, shared his optimistic outlook on the progression of the squad, specifically noting that Ryan ten Doeschate impressed with India’s pool of allrounders. As the team prepares for the long-term goal of the 2027 ODI World Cup, the management is actively nurturing a versatile group of players who can contribute across multiple facets of the game.
Developing Depth Beyond Hardik Pandya
The absence of frontline seam-bowling allrounder Hardik Pandya has opened doors for emerging talents. During the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan, the team management took the opportunity to test players like Harsh Dubey, a left-arm spin-bowling allrounder, and reintroduce Harshit Rana following his recovery from knee surgery. These inclusions are part of a strategic initiative to ensure the team is not overly reliant on any single individual.
Ten Doeschate acknowledged the unique challenge of replacing a player of Pandya’s caliber. “When Hardik’s fit, he obviously brings a different element because he’s such a strong batter and finisher. That sort of role is difficult to fill,” he explained. Despite this, the coach believes the current crop is tracking well. He singled out Nitish Kumar Reddy, describing him as a potential successor or backup for Pandya, citing his growth over the last 18 months as a vital asset for the team’s balance.
Strategic Flexibility and Future Planning
Looking ahead to the next 14 to 15 months, the focus is on creating a squad that remains competitive in varying conditions. Ten Doeschate emphasized that the ability of players at the No. 9 position to contribute with the bat will be crucial, particularly for future tours of South Africa where conditions may dictate playing three specialist seamers. By broadening the pool of players like Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, and Auqib Nabi, the coaching staff is ensuring that depth is not just a concept, but a tangible reality.
Addressing Kuldeep Yadav’s Form
Alongside the excitement regarding allrounders, there have been questions regarding the form of spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Following a challenging IPL season and a wicketless outing in the second ODI in Lucknow, some fans have expressed concerns. However, Ten Doeschate remains composed, dismissing the idea that Kuldeep is struggling significantly.
“No real concerns about him,” the coach stated. “He bowled really well the other night. As someone who hasn’t played a continuous string of games for a while, it is about getting back into a rhythm.” Ten Doeschate highlighted that the game of cricket is constantly evolving, and spinners are now tasked with reinventing themselves to counter aggressive batting styles. With the arrival of spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, the team is working on tactical game planning and fresh strategies to keep Kuldeep and other spinners ahead of the curve.
Competition Drives Excellence
The philosophy within the current team management is clear: no position is guaranteed, and competition is a necessary driver for high-level performance. Ten Doeschate noted that while Kuldeep holds a specific role as a wristspinner, there are several younger players pushing for a spot. This healthy competition is exactly what the management wants to foster.
“You have to fight for your spot in the team, and the team will always be picked on balance and role specificity,” Ten Doeschate added. By continuously pushing established players to improve while providing exposure to new faces, the coaching staff is building a resilient, adaptable, and future-ready squad. The signs for Indian cricket, particularly regarding the allrounder and spin-bowling departments, remain incredibly positive as they embark on this multi-year journey toward the World Cup.
