BCCI Discussing Ryan Ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel’s Future As India Coaches; Fielding Coach T Dilip Set for Exit: Report
The BCCI is in crucial talks about the future of assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fast bowling coach Morne Morkel as their contracts end after the England tour concludes on July 19. Fielding coach T Dilip faces intense pressure, with his contract unlikely to be extended due to a significant dip in India's fielding standards.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently engaged in high-stakes deliberations concerning the coaching staff of the Indian men's cricket team. With the white-ball tour of England drawing to a close on July 19, the contracts of assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, 46, and fast bowling coach Morne Morkel, 41, are set to expire, prompting urgent discussions about their continuation. Concurrently, fielding coach T Dilip finds himself under immense pressure, with reports suggesting he is unlikely to receive a contract extension due to the team's persistent fielding woes.
Coaching Staff Under Review
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, who joined head coach Gautam Gambhir's setup in July 2024, is reportedly contemplating his departure. As per Times of India, sources indicate that ten Doeschate is 'not very sure of continuing' due to the demanding year-round travel schedule and may be exploring opportunities with an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise.
Fast bowling coach Morne Morkel, also handpicked by Gambhir in July 2024, is weighing his options. While Morkel has been credited with the improved performance of the Indian pace attack, the BCCI is keen on retaining his services as they aim for continuity ahead of crucial assignments. Both Doeschate and Morkel were part of a 2+1 year contract, with the option for a one-year extension.
T Dilip's Tenure in Jeopardy
Fielding coach T Dilip is facing a precarious future. The BCCI is reportedly displeased with the consistent decline in the team's fielding standards. India's performance in the field has been a significant concern, with reports indicating a consistent decline in standards. The lapses have been evident in recent white-ball tournaments, raising serious questions about the team's overall fielding prowess.
Reports suggest a similar reprieve is unlikely this time, with speculation that he may join an IPL franchise.
Upcoming Fixtures and Interim Coaching
With the ongoing England tour concluding, India has a packed schedule ahead:
England Tour (Ongoing): The tour consists of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), with the white-ball leg drawing to a close. The ODI series continues, with matches played at venues like Edgbaston, Sophia Gardens, and Lord's.
Zimbabwe Tour (July 23-27, 2026): India will play a three-match T20I series in Harare on July 23, 25, and 26.
Asian Games 2026 (September 24 - October 3): The men's cricket competition will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Sri Lanka Tour (Early August): A two-Test series is scheduled.
To manage the demanding calendar and allow the primary coaching staff a break, VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), will lead a separate coaching team for the Zimbabwe T20I series and the Asian Games. He will be joined by batting coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and bowling coach Sunil Joshi. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to oversee the senior team's home white-ball series against the West Indies, which coincides with the Asian Games.
The BCCI faces critical decisions in the coming days to finalise its support staff, aiming to address performance concerns and ensure a stable environment for Team India's busy international commitments.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 12, 2026 05:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
