Ahead of the 1st T20I, a new member joins Gautam Gambhir’s team in Sri Lanka
On Thursday before the first T20I against Sri Lanka, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate joined the team in Pallekele. In a viral social media picture, the former batsman of the Netherlands was seen wearing Team India’s training gear. Ten Doeschate is one of the two assistant coaches, the other being Abhishek Nayar, in new India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s support staff.
For the record, it's the first time the Indian cricket setup is seeing two assistant coaches. Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach ended last month, while the contracts of batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling Paras Mhambrey were not extended either.
Only fielding coach T Dilip was retained from the previous regime. Meanwhile, there are no mentions of a batting or bowling coach in Gambhir’s support staff, with the former KKR mentor opting for two assistant coaches instead.
On Thursday, Team India took part in a training session, with ten Doeschate being a part of it. Earlier this week, Gambhir confirmed the names of two assistant coaches that the Board of Control for Cricket in India has approved.