India’s Spin Strategy: Insights from Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate
NEW DELHI: In a recent media interaction, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate shed light on the team’s unexpected reliance on spin during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. With the conditions in Dubai favouring spin more than anticipated, the Indian squad has had to adjust its strategy accordingly.
Ryan stated, “There are four spinners… so it could be a contest of spin. Coming into the competition, we weren’t expecting such an over-reliance on spin, but the guys have bowled nicely, and the pitch has helped a little bit.” This adaptability is critical as the scores in Dubai have hovered around 280-290, a stark contrast to the higher totals seen in Pakistan.
Understanding the Pitch Dynamics
Dubai’s pitches have shown to be less batter-friendly, with competitive totals emerging in the 270 range. Ryan emphasized the need for teams to adapt, noting, “Look, I won’t say it’s difficult. Getting to 320 has been challenging. The pitch played slightly differently in those games, but you can target around 280-290 if you bat well.”
Building Trust and Communication
As part of head coach Gautam Gambhir’s setup, Ryan highlighted the importance of earning players’ trust. “Progression is probably the keyword. You need to earn the players’ respect, which takes time. Winning certainly helps,” he remarked. With experienced players in the squad, precise communication is essential. “You’ve got to choose your words carefully and ensure it’s in the best interest of Indian cricket,” he added.
A Unified Coaching Approach
With the recent addition of batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, Ryan discussed the structured approach of the coaching team. “We’re trying to disseminate the same message. It’s crucial that the players are striving towards a unified goal,” he noted.
As India continues in the tournament, the role of spin and the ability to adapt to Dubai’s surfaces will be pivotal in shaping their success.
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