Cricket

Mohammed Siraj, India's fast bowler, has faced criticism for his recent performances. Despite his struggles, assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate defended Siraj, acknowledging his "wicket-drought" but emphasizing his quality bowling.Ten Doeschate praised Siraj's performance in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand, highlighting his ability to move the ball across left-handers. He attributed Siraj's lack of wickets to a temporary drought, expressing confidence in his recovery.Meanwhile, a selection battle is brewing between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan for the second Test. Ten Doeschate acknowledged the competition, noting Rahul's recent struggles and Sarfaraz's impressive performance in the previous Test.The team combination is also under scrutiny, with Washington Sundar added to the squad. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are aiming to overcome injury concerns for the match.Ten Doeschate emphasized the need to balance the team's strengths and weaknesses, considering the pitch conditions and the team's performance in the first Test. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back from the defeat in Bengaluru.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and a strong core of players as India prepares for a crucial two-year period. With major events like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, ICC Champions Trophy, and potentially the World Test Championship Final on the horizon, Doeschate aims to build a team that can withstand the pressure.Doeschate highlights the significance of a diverse pool of players who can fill multiple roles. He cites examples like Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Sanju Samson, who have demonstrated versatility in their batting positions. This flexibility allows India to adapt to different playing conditions and maintain a balanced team.However, Doeschate stresses that maintaining the right mindset is paramount. He encourages players to push their limits, take risks, and believe in their abilities. He emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space where players feel comfortable experimenting and expanding their game.Doeschate acknowledges Samson's recent struggles but expresses confidence in his potential. He hints that Samson will likely get another opportunity to showcase his skills in the third T20I. The coach also indicates that India will continue to explore the option of having frontline batsmen bowl a few overs to support the main bowlers.Despite focusing on long-term goals, Doeschate emphasizes the importance of winning each game. He believes that playing for one's country and putting oneself under pressure is crucial for the team's development. He also acknowledges the value of these less intense series in assessing fringe players and identifying their strengths and weaknesses.

Team India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, was left in stitches after witnessing Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja's hilarious imitation of Jasprit Bumrah's bowling action. The incident occurred during the pre-match warm-up routine before the second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka.As the players gathered for their warm-ups, Kohli and Jadeja couldn't resist poking fun at their teammate's unique bowling style. They mimicked Bumrah's exaggerated run-up and unorthodox release, much to the amusement of Ten Doeschate. The former Netherlands batter was seen covering his face with a baseball glove as he struggled to contain his laughter.The light-hearted moment provided a brief respite from the serious business of the Test match. However, the day's play was cut short due to bad light and heavy rain. India, who had opted to bowl first, had reduced Bangladesh to 107-3 before the weather intervened.Mominul Haque (40*) and Mushfiqur Rahim (6*) were at the crease when the umpires called off play. The match could potentially be the last Test appearance for Bangladesh's legendary all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, who recently announced his impending international retirement.Despite the rain delay, India remain in a strong position in the series. They lead 1-0 after winning the first Test in Chattogram by 188 runs. Akash Deep impressed with the ball, taking two early wickets to justify captain Rohit Sharma's decision to field first.The second Test is scheduled to resume on Saturday, weather permitting. India will be looking to seal the series victory, while Bangladesh will be desperate to level the scores.

Ryan ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands allrounder, has joined the Indian coaching staff as an assistant coach. He will be working alongside Abhishek Nayar under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ten Doeschate's primary focus will be on improving India's batting against spin bowling, an area that has been a concern for the team in recent times.India lost 27 wickets to spin in the recently concluded three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka, the most any team has lost to this variety of bowling in a three-match series. Captain Rohit Sharma admitted that this was an area that needed to be addressed.Ten Doeschate believes that India's focus on performing well overseas has led to a decline in their ability to play spin, which was once a strength of the team. He aims to help India regain their status as the best players of spin in the world.The 44-year-old ten Doeschate has been active in the coaching circuit since his retirement in 2021. He has worked with Kent, Kolkata Knight Riders, and LA Knight Riders in Major League Cricket. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Indian team.Ten Doeschate emphasizes that his focus will be on preparation and mindset rather than technical aspects. He believes that the Indian players have the technical skills but need to improve their situational awareness and mental approach to playing spin.Ten Doeschate is excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Indian team. He is confident that he can make a positive contribution to the team's success in the upcoming home season and beyond.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach of the Indian cricket team has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his experience, while others have praised his leadership qualities.Gambhir, who replaced Rahul Dravid at the helm, is already in Sri Lanka with the Indian team for the upcoming white-ball tour. He was one of the two candidates interviewed for the role by BCCI's COC, following his successful stint as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).The likes of Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Mahela Jayawardene, and Stephen Fleming, were also reportedly in the race. However, the BCCI's priority was always an Indian.While Gambhir's appointment was made official on July 9, after Rahul Dravid's contract came to an end, former India pacer Ashish Nehra was also floating in the media.During a recent interaction, Nehra has opened up about why he didn't apply. The 45-year-old insisted that his children are young, and he was not in the mood to travel for nine months."Meri abhi kabhi us tareh soch nahi gayi hai. My kids are young. GG ke bacche bhi abhi young hai par sabki soch alag alag hoti hai, toh I am very happy where I am. I am not in the mood to travel for nine months (I never thought about it. My children are still young. Gautam Gambhir also has young children, but everyone has different ideas. That's why I am happy where I am. I am not in the mood to travel for nine months)," Nehra told Sports Today.Meanwhile, Gambhir also confirmed the names of two assistant coaches that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved. Though the complete list of coaches will be confirmed only after the Sri Lanka tour, Gambhir is happy to see the board agreeing to most of his demands as the head coach of the Indian team.During a media briefing, Gambhir revealed that his former Kolkata Knight Riders mates, Ryan Ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar have joined him as assistant coaches."This is going to be the crux of the support staff. As I said, we still have one month after the Sri Lanka tour. We will try and finalise after the Sri Lanka tour. But, I have worked with people like Abhishek Nayar, Ryan Ten Doeschate very closely. In the last two months, especially in the IPL, I have enjoyed working with them. They are thorough professionals. Hope Ryan and Abhishek can have a successful stint.""Hopefully, we can have a successful tenure as coaches. I am really looking forward to work with the rest of the other guys as well. I have had some really good feedback from the players about the other guys. I am really looking forward to working with them. My experience and learning have been been very simple," Gambhir said.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has refuted rumors that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rejected his requests for coaching staff personnel. In a press conference, Gambhir expressed satisfaction with the BCCI's acceptance of his proposals.Gambhir announced the appointment of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. Nayar, who served as assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during their IPL 2024 triumph, will join the Indian team. Ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands international, will serve as fielding coach, a role he also held at KKR.Gambhir emphasized the continuity of the support staff, with T Dilip continuing as fielding coach. He explained that the addition of two assistant coaches will allow for a more comprehensive focus on all three departments of the game."I feel there could be assistant coaches working and focusing on all three departments rather than one specific department," said Gambhir. "That's the reason we now have two assistant coaches. That's the way we will go forward as well."Gambhir confirmed that Nayar, Dilip, and former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule will accompany the team to Sri Lanka for the upcoming tour. Ten Doeschate will join the squad directly in Colombo.The head coach stated that the finalization of the entire support staff will occur after the Sri Lanka tour. He highlighted his positive experiences working with Nayar and ten Doeschate during the IPL."We still have one month after the Sri Lanka tour, and we can finalize after the tour," said Gambhir. "Importantly, I've worked with Ryan and Abhishek closely during the IPL. I enjoyed working with them, they are thorough professionals, and there can't be a bigger and better opportunity now."Reports have emerged that Gambhir has also requested the inclusion of South African pacer Morne Morkel in the coaching staff. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team has sparked excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike. Joining him as potential assistant coaches are former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and former Dutch international Ryan ten Doeschate.Gambhir's leadership credentials are well-established. As captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he guided the team to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His ability to revitalize struggling teams is a testament to his strategic acumen.Gambhir's bond with ten Doeschate dates back to their time at KKR. Ten Doeschate's selfless nature and unwavering commitment to the team left a lasting impression on Gambhir. In a media interaction, Gambhir described ten Doeschate as the "greatest team man" he has ever played with, someone he could "take a bullet for."Ten Doeschate, born in South Africa but representing the Netherlands internationally, is a versatile all-rounder. His impressive statistics include an ODI average of 67 and a T20I strike rate of 132.92. He has played for numerous clubs and franchise teams around the world, including Essex, Western Province, and KKR.Ten Doeschate's character sets him apart. Known for his humility and dedication, he is considered one of the best associate players in non-Test-playing nations. His performance in the 2011 ICC World Cup, where he scored a career-best 119 against England, showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage.With Gambhir's leadership, Nayar's all-around expertise, and ten Doeschate's selfless spirit, Team India is poised to benefit from a diverse and experienced coaching team. The upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be a test of their collective abilities and a chance for them to shape the future of Indian cricket.

Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Staff for Sri Lanka Tour Takes ShapeFormer India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and ex-Dutch international Ryan ten Doeschate are poised to join the Indian cricket team as assistant coaches for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to officially confirm the appointments, but the duo is expected to bolster the support staff of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir.Nayar and ten Doeschate bring a wealth of experience to the team, having previously worked with Gambhir during his tenure as coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Nayar, a former Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals player, is known for his tactical acumen and leadership skills. Ten Doeschate, a veteran of over 100 international matches for the Netherlands, possesses a deep understanding of the game and has a proven track record of success in various T20 leagues worldwide.T Dilip, who served as fielding coach under Rahul Dravid, will continue in his role. His expertise in fielding drills and team bonding exercises is considered crucial for the team's success in a competitive environment.Discussions are ongoing with former South African pacer Morne Morkel for the position of bowling coach. Morkel, who has collaborated with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, is a highly respected figure in the cricketing world.The Indian team is scheduled to depart for Colombo on Monday, July 25. The BCCI is expected to formally introduce Gambhir as the new head coach before their departure. A media conference is planned for July 22 in Mumbai, where newly appointed T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav will also be present.

Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Staff: BCCI Considers Ryan ten DoeschateFollowing his appointment as India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir has reportedly requested the inclusion of former Netherlands international Ryan ten Doeschate in his support staff. This move would mark a slight deviation from the BCCI's recent emphasis on Indian coaches.Ten Doeschate has been a vocal supporter of Gambhir, describing him as a "thorough professional" dedicated to team goals. The Dutchman previously served as Gambhir's assistant during the latter's tenure as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where they won the 2024 Indian Premier League title. Ten Doeschate held the role of fielding coach for KKR and is also involved with the franchise's teams in the Caribbean Premier League and Major League Cricket.According to Cricbuzz, the BCCI is currently discussing ten Doeschate's potential appointment. However, the board is keen to retain T Dilip as the fielding coach. This could lead to ten Doeschate being considered for a different role within the coaching setup.Another member of Gambhir's KKR coaching staff, Abhishek Nayar, is also being considered for the role of India's assistant coach. Nayar served as KKR's batting coach during the 2024 IPL season.If Gambhir and the BCCI are successful in securing both Nayar and ten Doeschate, it would create a significant void in KKR's coaching setup. Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid as India's head coach last week after Dravid's tenure ended with India's victory in the T20 World Cup.