Ryan ten Doeschate impressed with India’s pool of allrounders for 2027 World Cup
Building Depth for the Future
The landscape of Indian cricket is undergoing a fascinating transformation as the team management looks toward the long-term goal of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Central to this strategic vision is the cultivation of a robust roster of multi-skilled players. Ryan ten Doeschate, the assistant coach of the Indian side, has shared his optimism regarding the growing group of allrounders currently under the team’s wing.
During the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan, the team has taken proactive steps to broaden its horizon. With star allrounder Hardik Pandya absent, the selectors introduced left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Harsh Dubey to the international stage. Furthermore, the third ODI in Chennai saw the return of seam-bowling allrounder Harshit Rana, who rejoined the squad after a successful recovery from knee surgery.
The Quest for the Perfect Balance
The strategy is clear: India is prioritizing versatility. While Nitish Kumar Reddy missed the second ODI in Lucknow due to a minor thigh injury, his expected return for the Chennai fixture highlights the team’s commitment to grooming players who can contribute with both bat and ball. Ten Doeschate hinted that with the series already secured, the team might experiment further by including an additional allrounder in the lineup to replace a specialist batter.
Reflecting on the progress, ten Doeschate remarked that while many of these players are currently classified as bowling allrounders, their trajectory is promising. He noted that Hardik Pandya remains a unique asset because of his exceptional power-hitting and finishing ability, which is a rare combination to find. However, the management is working tirelessly to ensure that younger players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gurnoor Brar, and Harshit Rana are adequately prepared to hold their own at the No. 9 position and beyond.
This depth is particularly crucial for future campaigns. Looking toward the next 15 months, especially with the requirements of playing in South African conditions, the team aims to field three specialist seamers who can also contribute vital runs. The emergence of talents like Prince Yadav, Gurnoor, and Auqib Nabi has provided a refreshing boost to the team’s fast-bowling stocks.
Addressing the Spin Department
Beyond the allrounders, the focus remains on the consistency of the spin battery. Kuldeep Yadav, the seasoned left-arm wristspinner, has faced recent challenges, including a difficult IPL season where his average and economy rate were not at his usual elite standard. Despite going wicketless in his recent outing in Lucknow, ten Doeschate maintains a calm and supportive outlook.
“There are no real concerns around Kuldeep’s form,” the coach emphasized. “The wickets aren’t always guaranteed, and I felt he bowled quite well during his spell. When a player hasn’t featured in a consistent string of games, it naturally takes a bit of time to find that rhythm. The game of cricket is evolving, and batters are becoming more aggressive against spin, which puts the onus on the bowlers to constantly reinvent themselves.”
To assist in this evolution, the team has brought in Sairaj Bahutule as the new spin-bowling coach. The objective is to refine the tactical awareness and game planning of the spinners, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve. While Kuldeep remains a primary component of the team’s plans, the management is fostering a competitive environment where young players must fight for their spots based on form and role specificity.
As the team looks ahead, the emphasis remains on pushing established players to improve while providing exposure to the next generation. By maintaining this high standard of internal competition and tactical innovation, the Indian team is positioning itself as a formidable force on the road to the 2027 World Cup.
