With the reports suggesting Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek are set to join the Indian coaching setup, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed the joining of the duo as his assistant coaches.
Gambhir has already worked with the duo at the Kolkata Knight Riders when he was the mentor, guiding the franchise to the third title during the IPL 2024 season.
Speaking ahead of the India team’s departure, Gautam Gambhir said, “Really happy with the BCCI. They have agreed with most of the things I have asked for. The crux of the support staff will remain what it is right now, but we will finalise it once the Sri Lanka tour is over. Yes, Abhishek (Nayar) is the assistant coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate is the assistant coach.”
“I personally feel there can be assistant coaches who can probably involve themselves more in all three departments rather than just focusing on one, and that is the reason why now we have two assistant coaches as well. And that is the way we go forward, and yes, you will get to know the exact support staff once the Sri Lanka tour is over,” Gambhir said.
He also confirmed that T. Dilip and former Indian spinner Sairaj Bahutule will travel with the Indian team to Sri Lanka as part of the support staff.
“Abhishek Nayar is there, Sairaj Bahutule is there, Dilip is there, and Ryan ten Doeschate is going to join in Colombo,” said Gambhir.
Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir wanted senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to move forward. Rohit and Kohli announced their T20I retirement, and Gambhir expressed his hope for the players to keep their fitness in check calculating for the next edition of the ODI World Cup.
Speaking to the media after being named India’s head coach, Gambhir insisted on the importance of managing the workload of ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah. He spoke about the necessity of Rohit and Kohli to move forward.
“I’ve said it before that workload management for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important. For a batter, if they can play consistently if they’re in good form, might as well just play all the games,” he said.
“With now Rohit and Virat not playing T20I cricket, they only have two formats to look after. I am sure they are going to be available for most of the games. Yes, for Jasprit Bumrah (workload management), he is one rare kind of a bowler. It’s our responsibility to try to have him fresh for major games. Not just for Bumrah, but for most of the fast bowlers, workload management becomes really important.”
Gautam Gambhir also mentioned Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli maintain their fitness they might well play on until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Coming to the Sri Lanka tour, the Sri Lanka tour will begin with the T20I leg starting on July 21 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
