India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he wants to step down from his role. As per reports, the former Netherlands all-rounder has decided to leave because he did not receive the coaching role he was originally promised.
Ryan ten Doeschate joined India's coaching staff in 2024 alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir. During his stint, India won the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. If he leaves, Gambhir and the BCCI will need to find a replacement before India's busy international schedule continues.
Ryan ten Doeschate Was Promised the Fielding Coach's Job
According to PTI, Ryan ten Doeschate joined India's coaching setup in 2024 on the recommendation of head coach Gautam Gambhir. The former Netherlands all-rounder accepted the assistant coach role after being assured that he would eventually become the team's specialist fielding coach.
However, that transition never happened. A senior BCCI source told PTI that every member of the support staff has a clearly defined responsibility, while ten Doeschate has continued without a specific role nearly two years after joining the national team.
"You have Sitanshu Kotak as the batting coach, and there's Gauti (Gambhir) himself to look after the batters. Morne (Morkel) is in charge of pacers, and Sairaj (Bahutule) looks after the spinners. When Tendo (his nickname) was brought on board, he was promised the fielding coach's job."
A Strong Recommendation Came From Senior Player - T Dilip's Extension Changed the Original Plan
The report stated that T Dilip was expected to leave the support staff after the 2025 Champions Trophy, along with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai, and masseur Arun Kanade. However, the original plan changed before the overhaul took place.
According to the BCCI source, a senior India player strongly backed Dilip, leading to a one-year extension. As a result, ten Doeschate remained an assistant coach without the fielding role he had reportedly been promised when he joined the setup.
"Dilip was supposed to be removed along with Abhishek Nayar (assistant coach), Soham Desai (S&C coach) and Arun Kanade (masseur) after the 2025 Champions Trophy. However for Dilip, a strong recommendation came from a senior player and Dilip got a one year extension and Tendo actually didn't have any specific domain role. He is a fantastic coach, who hasn't been used because Dilip is there."
His Expertise Hasn't Been Fully Utilised - BCCI Faces Big Decision
The report added that Ryan ten Doeschate's future remains uncertain, although no formal decision has been taken by the BCCI. The report also claimed that the former Netherlands international has already held positive discussions with an IPL franchise about a possible coaching role.
The BCCI source praised ten Ryan ten Doeschate's coaching ability but admitted that his expertise has not been fully used because the fielding coach's position remains occupied. The report added that Gambhir is expected to try convincing his trusted colleague to stay with Team India.
"He is an outstanding coach, but his expertise hasn't been fully utilised because the fielding coach's position remains occupied."
