Former Netherlands batter Ryan Ten Doeschate, who served as the fielding coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), joined the Team India squad as its new assistant coach in Pallekele ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka, starting from Saturday.

Ten Doeschate has been roped in as the assistant coach along with Abhishek Nayar, who served along with Gautam Gambhir, in KKR’s triumphant run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. It is, however, unclear if the Dutchman will continue in the role following India’s limited-overs tour to the island nation.

The Dutchman was spotted along with the Team India head coach at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, having a chat with premier wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, ahead of Saturday’s clash. “Gautam Gambhir and Ryan ten Doeschate together during practice session in Sri Lanka. – COACH & ASSISTANT COACH OF INDIA…!!!! 🇮🇳,” a user said on X.

Gautam Gambhir and Ryan ten Doeschate together during practice session in Sri Lanka.

– COACH & ASSISTANT COACH OF INDIA…!!!! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/oQLh3u1Mol

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) July 26, 2024

The Gambhir-led coaching staff will be handling a mix of superstars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma along with a pool of new and emerging talents in the limited-over tour to Sri Lanka.

Apart from Ten Doeschate and Nayar, the Team India coaching staff includes Sairaj Bahutule as the interim bowling coach with T Dilip continuing in his position as the fielding coach.