Gautam Gambhir’s Team Welcomes New Member for 1st T20I in Sri Lanka

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has joined the team in Pallekele ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka. He was seen wearing Team India’s training gear in a viral social media picture. Ten Doeschate, along with Abhishek Nayar, is one of the two assistant coaches in new head coach Gautam Gambhir’s support staff. This marks the first time the Indian cricket setup has two assistant coaches, as Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended last month, and the contracts of batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey were not extended.

Only fielding coach T Dilip was retained from the previous regime. Gambhir’s support staff does not include a batting or bowling coach, with two assistant coaches instead. Team India participated in a training session with ten Doeschate on Thursday. Gambhir confirmed the names of the assistant coaches approved by the BCCI earlier this week. He expressed satisfaction with the board agreeing to most of his demands as head coach.

Gambhir praised the professionalism of Ryan Ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar, stating that they will be the core of the support staff. He mentioned that Morne Morkel is a potential candidate for the role of bowling coach. The complete list of coaches will be confirmed after the Sri Lanka tour. Gambhir looks forward to working with the rest of the support staff and hopes for a successful tenure as coaches.