Ryan ten Doeschate defends Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav despite their longer lean area
Ten Doeschate acknowledged their ongoing struggle, but emphasized that he had seen it ‘Stimulating a change in mentality’ especially from Gill during the latter stages of India’s recent tour of Australia.
Top-flight India’s collapse in Mullanpur – where Gill, Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar all departed within the powerplay – leaving the team without any foundation in a steep chase. While Gill’s T20 returns have been modest this year, Ten Doeschate suggested the young opener is showing signs of adapting his approach.
“I saw some good signs of a change in attitude towards the end of the Australian tour,” he said after the match. He noted that Gill’s dismissal in the first match in Cuttack came on a difficult wicket where the team had instructed players to attack early, and his second came courtesy of “a great ball” – something that can happen when a player is looking for rhythm.
Ten Doeschate added that Gill is strong IPL history – seasons of 600-800 runs – is testament to his ability to find form quickly, expressing confidence that he will score big again soon.
Suryakumar’s drop in production was one of India’s biggest concerns during this year’s T20Is. The dynamic batsman, once known for his 360 degree strokeplay, has amassed just 201 runs in 17 innings in 2024, an average of 14.35 without a half-century.
Still, Ten Doeschate rejected suggestions that the team was concerned and stressed that leadership responsibilities have been handled well by the skipper despite his poor batting.
‘Exactly the same situation with Surya’ he explained. “As a group, we are already well on the right track with our planning. You support leaders like this. From the outside I know it looks worrying, but I have absolute confidence that they will come together at the right time.”
The assistant coach said both Suryakumar and Gill were encouraged to play with greater freedom, similar to how they express themselves in the IPL.
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The Indian coach praises Suryakumar’s leadership qualities
Ten Doeschate also revealed that Suryakumar is a “light bulb moment” during the tour of Australia and had hit the ball well in training ahead of the South African series.
As the No. 3 hitter, the team still expects him to attack from the start. The assistant coach stressed that while expectations are high, their belief in his abilities has not been shaken.
‘His leadership was fantastic’ he noted. “He has aligned the team in terms of plans and buy-ins. The runs will come.”
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