In a significant yet unofficial move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised to welcome former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and former Dutch international Ryan ten Doeschate to the Indian cricket team coaching staff.
New Assistant Coaches and Fielding Coach
Both Nayar and Ten Doeschate are slated to take on roles as assistant coaches, joining the retained members from Rahul Dravid’s coaching regime, including fielding coach T Dilip. Dilip, recognized not only for his effective coaching techniques but also for his positive influence in the dressing room, has earned praise for his team bonding exercises—an essential aspect in a highly competitive environment.
Potential Bowling Coach: Morne Morkel
The new coaching lineup also includes potential bowling coach Morne Morkel, a former South African pacer, who is a strong candidate for the role. Morkel, alongside Nayar and ten Doeschate, has previously collaborated with Gambhir during various stages of his coaching career in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Nayar and ten Doeschate contributed to Gambhir’s successful tenure at Kolkata Knight Riders last season, while Morkel worked with him at Lucknow Super Giants for two years.
Read more about Morkel’s inclusion as a potential bowling coach for the Indian Cricket Team here.
Travel Plans and Team Departure
As the Indian team gears up for their next assignment, Dilip and Nayar are set to travel with the team on Monday. However, ten Doeschate’s integration into the squad remains uncertain, as he is currently in the US, coaching for the LA Knight Riders in the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC). He is expected to join the Indian team directly in Colombo. Similarly, the timeline for Morkel’s inclusion is yet to be clarified, though discussions with the BCCI about his potential role are ongoing.
The Indian team is scheduled to depart from Mumbai to Colombo on a charter flight at 1 pm on Monday. Prior to their departure, the BCCI is expected to formally introduce Gambhir as the new head coach. A media conference is planned for July 22 at a five-star hotel in Andheri, Mumbai, with the newly appointed T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav in attendance. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, currently in Colombo for the Annual Conference of the International Cricket Council (ICC), will meet the new coaching staff upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
With these strategic coaching appointments, the Indian Cricket Team aims to bolster its performance and dynamics under Gambhir’s leadership.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
