Ryan ten Doeschate impressed with India’s pool of allrounders for future glory

Building Depth for the Global Stage

The journey toward the 2027 ODI World Cup has begun in earnest for the Indian cricket team. With a clear vision for the future, the coaching staff is actively nurturing a diverse group of talented individuals capable of contributing with both bat and ball. During the current ODI series against Afghanistan, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate impressed with India’s pool of allrounders, noting that the team is tracking nicely in its mission to build a versatile squad.

In the absence of star allrounder Hardik Pandya, the team management has utilized the series to experiment and integrate new faces. The inclusion of left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Harsh Dubey in the Dharamsala opener, alongside the reintroduction of Harshit Rana following his recovery from knee surgery, underscores a commitment to expanding the team’s depth.

The Hunt for Allrounders

Ten Doeschate acknowledged that while most of the current prospects are bowling allrounders, the goal is to develop players who can thrive in various match situations. He highlighted the progress of Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has emerged as a significant figure over the last 18 months. According to the assistant coach, Reddy is effectively positioning himself as the natural successor or backup to Hardik Pandya, thanks to his ability to contribute in the middle order and provide vital overs.

The coaching staff’s vision extends beyond individual talent; it is about team balance. Looking forward to the challenges in South African conditions, the team recognizes the need for batters who can hold their own at the No. 9 position, allowing for the inclusion of three specialist seamers. Ten Doeschate expressed genuine excitement about the emergence of young talents like Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Auqib Nabi, labeling the influx of these multi-skilled players as a refreshing development.

Addressing the Spin Department

Beyond the allrounders, the team is also managing the transition and form of established stars like Kuldeep Yadav. Following a challenging IPL season, the wristspinner has faced scrutiny, particularly after being left out of the opening ODI. However, ten Doeschate remains firm in his support of the bowler, dismissing concerns regarding his recent wicketless outings.

“Look, the wickets aren’t always there and I thought he bowled really well the other night,” ten Doeschate remarked. He explained that as the game evolves, spinners are required to constantly reinvent themselves. With the help of new spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, the team is focusing on tactical game planning and fresh strategies to ensure that their spinners remain competitive in an era where batters are increasingly aggressive against spin.

Competition and Consistency

The message from the management is clear: no spot in the XI is guaranteed. The development of a new line of spinners creates healthy internal competition, which ten Doeschate believes is vital for sustained success. Kuldeep Yadav is being pushed to maintain his high standards as the team looks to extract greater output from his unique skills.

“You have to fight for your spot in the team and the team will always be picked on balance and role specificity,” he added. By fostering a culture of competition, the management aims to ensure that established players and newcomers alike are consistently performing at their best. As the series against Afghanistan reaches its conclusion, the focus remains firmly on tactical flexibility and building a robust, versatile squad capable of conquering global challenges in the years to come.