Gautam Gambhir asks BCCI for ex-KKR teammate Ryan ten Doeschate to be part of India's coaching staff - Reports

India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir has geared up preparations for his first challenge as he prepares for his maiden assignment at the end of the month inJuly. Now official, Gambhir is yet to disclose the members of the backroom staff with one name now in the limelight. According to several reports, Gambhir wants a reunion with former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Ryan ten Doeschate in his coaching staff.

Gautam Gambhir demands Ryan ten Doeschate

Having spent time with the former Dutch all-rounder during playing and mentor days with KKR, Gambhir reportedly holds Ten Doeschate to join. According to reports, he has asked the BCCI to include the former Netherlands international in his roster who comes with tons of experience around the globe and will act as fielding coach. Gambhir wants total control over the team’s management and will be free to choose his coaching staff.

"I can tell you this because in 2011, my first game as a KKR captain, we only had four overseas (players) available. And this man had a fabulous 50-over World Cup. And we went to that game with only three overseas players. He was carrying drinks in that game with no disappointment on his face. He taught me selflessness. Ryan ten Doeschate (sic)," Gambhir said in a video shot at a KKR function last season while praising Ten Doeschate.

Alongside Ten Doeschate, former Mumbai Ranji player and another KKR assistant coach Abhishek Nayar’s name is also in conversation. Abhishek could be part of the Gambhir coaching staff as batting coaching has worked wonders with KKR already.

Gambhir’s big challenges

The upcoming Sri Lanka series will be Gambhir’s first big assignment having taken over as the coach but the Australia tour in November and December will serve as the litmus test for him. India have won the Border-Gavaskar series on their previous two visits to Australia and will be targeting a hat-trick of wins Down Under. He will also have the 2025 Champions Trophy on the agenda with India now unlikely to travel Pakistan.