​New Delhi: The BCCI might need to intensify its efforts to secure a reliable support staff for the Indian team once the current England tour concludes. TOI has learned that assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fast bowling coach Morne Morkel are considering stepping away from their roles after their contracts expire following this month’s ODI series in England. Sources say Doeschate is uncertain about continuing in the job, citing the challenges of travel with the team throughout the year, while Morkel is still weighing his options. The board is in discussions with both coaches and will try to find a workable path forward.
The Indian squad is scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of August for a two-Test series. VVS Laxman, who heads the Cricket Centre of Excellence (CoE), will take his coaching staff to Zimbabwe for India’s three-match T20I series in the last week of July. There is speculation that Doeschate could be exploring opportunities with an IPL franchise, though nothing has been finalized, and Morkel has not made any firm statements publicly. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had personally selected these two coaches when he assumed charge in July 2024. Historically, the BCCI has favored support staff trained through its CoE coaching program, though there have been occasional changes. Last year, Abhishek Nayar was replaced by Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach.
If the departures of Doeschate and Morkel cannot be sorted out, the BCCI may have to rely on Lakshmipathy Balaji, who has recently been appointed as the CoE’s fast-bowling coach, to accompany the team to Sri Lanka. On the fielding side, the situation is less stable. T Dilip, the fielding coach, is under pressure to justify his position as the team’s fielding standards reportedly continue to decline. Dilip received a temporary reprieve last year after facing potential removal along with Nayar.
The board’s challenge is clear: to consolidate a cohesive and effective support staff for the Indian team that can sustain high performance across formats while managing the logistical realities of frequent travel. As England’s tour winds down, the BCCI must navigate the potential exits of key coaches and decide how best to maintain continuity in coaching, skill development, and match preparation. The situation is dynamic, with negotiations and internal discussions ongoing as the board weighs its options and plans for the next phase of India’s international calendar.