The India Cricket Coaching Staff could undergo significant changes following India’s disappointing performances in consecutive T20 international series against England and Ireland. According to multiple reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to review both the team’s results and the contribution of the support staff after a string of underwhelming displays.
Among those reportedly facing uncertainty are assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and bowling coach Morne Morkel. Their current contracts are understood to expire after the ongoing ODI series against England, and their future with the national team may depend on the outcome of the board’s performance assessment.
Consecutive Series Losses Raise Questions
India’s recent defeats have sparked widespread discussion about the team’s direction. The side suffered T20 series losses against both Ireland and England, marking an unusual slump for a team that has consistently been among the strongest in the format.
While defeats alone are rarely enough to trigger major changes, the overall quality of India’s performances has reportedly become a concern within the BCCI. The board is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of both the players and the coaching group before deciding on the next steps.
Fielding Standards Also Under the Spotlight
Apart from the results, India’s fielding has emerged as another area of concern. During the tours of Ireland and England, the team dropped more than ten catches, allowing opponents valuable opportunities to build partnerships and shift momentum.
These repeated lapses have reportedly prompted discussions about the role of fielding coach T. Dilip. Although he returned to the support staff after an earlier reshuffle, fresh reports suggest his position could once again come under review if the board decides to overhaul the coaching setup.
Improving fielding standards has been one of India’s long-term priorities, making this aspect of the team’s recent performances particularly disappointing.
Ryan ten Doeschate Reportedly Considering Other Opportunities
Reports indicate that assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has expressed concerns about the demanding year-round international travel that comes with the role. It is understood that he has shared his views with the BCCI and may be exploring opportunities outside the national setup.
There is also speculation that he could become involved with an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise in a coaching capacity. Meanwhile, bowling coach Morne Morkel is also believed to be evaluating his future and considering alternative professional options once his current contract concludes.
Neither coach has publicly confirmed these reports.
Lakshmipathy Balaji Could Receive a Bigger Role
If vacancies emerge within the India Cricket Coaching Staff, former India fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji is among the leading candidates to take on greater responsibility.
Balaji currently serves as the fast-bowling coach at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and could reportedly join the national side for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in early August.
Before that, India’s T20 squad for the Zimbabwe tour is expected to be guided by VVS Laxman along with coaches from the Centre of Excellence, continuing the BCCI’s practice of rotating coaching responsibilities for selected overseas assignments.
Coaches Handpicked by Gautam Gambhir
Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel became part of India’s support staff after Gautam Gambhir was appointed head coach in July 2024. Both appointments reflected Gambhir’s preference to build a coaching team with experienced former international cricketers.
Earlier this year, batting coach Abhishek Nayar was replaced by Sitanshu Kotak as part of an earlier restructuring. With fresh speculation surrounding the support staff, more changes could follow once India’s England tour officially concludes.
Mixed Results Under Gautam Gambhir
Although recent setbacks have increased pressure on the coaching group, India’s overall record under Gautam Gambhir has produced both notable successes and disappointing results across formats.
In One-Day Internationals, India has enjoyed a strong run, winning 16 of its first 23 matches under his leadership while also lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
The T20 team also enjoyed considerable success before the recent downturn, winning 37 of its first 53 matches. During that period, India captured the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, reinforcing its status as one of the leading white-ball teams.
However, the momentum has slowed considerably following consecutive T20 series defeats against Ireland and England.
India’s Test performances have been far less convincing. The team has managed only six victories in 18 Test matches during the same period and has suffered several high-profile setbacks, including home series defeats to New Zealand and South Africa. India also relinquished the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, increasing pressure on the coaching setup.
Historic T20 Setbacks Add to Pressure
England’s recent triumph carried additional significance, as it marked the country’s first T20 bilateral series victory over India since 2014. Across the ten T20 series played between the two nations, India has now won five, England has claimed four, while one series ended in a draw.
Before facing England, India had also suffered its first-ever T20 bilateral series defeat against Ireland. It was India’s first T20 series loss since the West Indies defeated them 3-2 in 2023, making the recent run of results particularly unusual for a side that has traditionally dominated the format.
BCCI Review Could Shape India’s Next Phase
The upcoming review by the BCCI is expected to play an important role in determining the future direction of the India Cricket Coaching Staff. While no official announcement has been made regarding coaching changes, the board is likely to evaluate performances across all departments before confirming its plans.
With important international assignments approaching, including the Sri Lanka Test series and future ICC events, any changes to the coaching structure could significantly influence India’s preparations and long-term strategy as the team looks to return to consistent winning form.
