Former Netherlands captain Ryan ten Doeschate has stepped down as India men’s assistant coach and is set to return to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) setup ahead of IPL 2027, bringing an end to a successful yet unconventional stint with the national team. The 45-year-old was personally brought into the Indian coaching staff by head coach Gautam Gambhir in 2024 and played a role in India’s title-winning campaigns at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, 2025 Asia Cup, and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Ten Doeschate informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision during India’s recent white-ball tour of the United Kingdom. Although there were suggestions that Gambhir wanted him to continue in the role, both the BCCI and the head coach have now reportedly approved his departure.
Ten Doeschate’s role within the Indian team was unique from the outset. Before joining the national setup, he worked as KKR’s fielding coach alongside Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar, and Morne Morkel. However, India already had T Dilip serving as the designated fielding coach, leaving Ten Doeschate to take on broader responsibilities, including assisting Gambhir with team strategy, player development, and media interactions.
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Earlier reports from PTI suggested that Ten Doeschate had been assured he would eventually succeed Dilip as India’s fielding coach. However, that transition never materialised. Following India’s Champions Trophy triumph, senior members of the squad reportedly backed Dilip to continue in the role, prompting the BCCI to retain him.
Ryan Ten Doechate steps down as India’s assistant coach.
– He’s set to join KKR for IPL 2027. (Cricinfo). pic.twitter.com/jnl717BZOH
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 28, 2026
A return to Kolkata Knight Riders appears to be an ideal move for Ten Doeschate. Having contributed to KKR’s IPL title-winning campaigns as both a player and a coach, he is expected to reunite with Abhishek Nayar, who now serves as the franchise’s head coach. The move also offers a better work-life balance, eliminating the demanding international schedule and allowing him to spend more time with his young family.
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Meanwhile, the spotlight will remain on India’s fielding setup. Despite retaining T Dilip, the team’s performances in the field have come under intense scrutiny after a string of disappointing displays. India dropped 10 catches during the recently concluded T20I series against Zimbabwe, while the hosts missed only one clear opportunity.
With the BCCI scheduled to review the team’s recent performances in its August meeting, discussions surrounding the coaching structure and fielding standards are expected to be high on the agenda as India begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
