Why is Ryan Ten Doeschate Looking to Leave His Role at Indian Cricket Team? Feud with Gambhir or Something Else?

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate is set to leave the Indian team amid the ongoing England series, as per reports.

Ten Doeschate has formally approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to request an early release from his contract. This development comes at a highly crucial time, with the team already under pressure following heavy defeats against Ireland and England in the T20Is.

Gambhir and ten Doeschate share a close professional bond, having previously worked together during a highly successful IPL stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Gambhir was the driving force behind bringing the Dutchman into the national setup, valuing his specific tactical inputs across both batting and fielding departments. Because of this trust, Gambhir is expected to try and persuade his assistant to stay, though changing the mind of a professional whose primary focus has shifted to family remains an uphill task.

Why is Ryan ten Doeschate looking to leave Indian Team?

The reason behind the former Dutch all-rounder's request is entirely personal. Ten Doeschate has three young sons at home in London, and with his wife managing her own full-time professional career, the gruelling, round-the-year travel schedule of the Indian cricket calendar has become unsustainable for his family. He is now looking to transition into a role that offers greater stability and fewer days away from home.
While Ten Doeschate has made his intentions clear to the BCCI, his exit depends heavily on the approval of head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Another important reason is a lack of clarity in his role. The Dutchman's expertise in fielding makes him a valued addition in any team, but in the Indian team, T Dilip is already honing the role, which has further intensified his desire to leave the post.

Should the BCCI and Gambhir agree to part ways, Ten Doeschate's final assignment with the squad will be the third ODI against England on July 19, fittingly scheduled at Lord's. With this potential exit, Gambhir's first major test might not be fixing the players, but holding his backroom staff together.