Former India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has stepped down from his role with the national team, bringing an end to a two-year stint under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ryan ten Doeschate is now set to return to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) setup in a newly created leadership role, reuniting with a franchise where he has enjoyed immense success both as a player and coach.
The decision marks a significant change in India’s support staff ahead of the team’s upcoming assignments. Although the BCCI had reportedly offered ten Doeschate an extension until 2027, the 46-year-old opted to step away after the conclusion of India’s white-ball tour of England. At the same time, the board also confirmed that fielding coach T Dilip’s contract would not be extended, signalling a reshuffle within the coaching group.
A Trusted Lieutenant in Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching Team
Ryan ten Doeschate joined India’s coaching staff in July 2024 alongside Gautam Gambhir following Rahul Dravid’s departure after India’s T20 World Cup triumph. Having already built a strong working relationship with Gambhir during their time at KKR, he quickly became one of the head coach’s most trusted deputies.
During his tenure, India enjoyed success in white-ball cricket, including winning the 2025 Asia Cup and defending the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026. However, the Test side endured a difficult period, surrendering the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by 3-1 and suffering rare home series defeats against Kiwis & Proteas as the team navigated a transition phase.
While ten Doeschate largely stayed away from the spotlight, players and coaching staff frequently praised his calm approach, tactical input and ability to work closely with both senior stars and emerging talent.
Back to Familiar Territory
Ryan Ten Doeschate’s return to the Knight Riders family feels less like a new beginning and more like a homecoming.
Having previously represented KKR as a player during their IPL-winning campaigns in 2012 and 2014, he later returned as part of the coaching staff before joining the Indian team. His latest appointment sees him take charge as Head of Cricket Strategy for Knight Riders Sports, a role that extends beyond the IPL franchise.
Ryan ten Doeschate will oversee cricket strategy, talent identification, scouting, player recruitment and long-term planning across KKR’s global teams, while also serving as assistant coach for Trinbago Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Los Angeles Knight Riders.
The appointment underlines KKR’s commitment to building a unified cricketing philosophy across its global network, with ten Doeschate’s international coaching experience expected to play a key role.
For India, the departure of ten Doeschate represents the end of an important chapter in Gambhir’s coaching era and opens the door for a refreshed support staff ahead of future assignments. For KKR, however, it marks the return of a familiar face who understands the franchise’s culture better than most.
As Indian cricket prepares for its next phase and KKR begins planning for future campaigns, Ryan ten Doeschate now embarks on another chapter in a career that continues to bridge international cricket and franchise success. BCCI is yet to name the replacement for Ryan ten Doeschate for the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series, which begins on 15th August.
Also Read:Â SL vs IND: Saransh Jain’s Test Call-Up A Win For Domestic Cricket