Ryan ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands cricketer and current Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach, has weighed in on India's recent T20I series loss against England, pointing out specific areas that require immediate improvement. India lost the five-match series 3-2 after a disappointing performance in the final T20I in Ahmedabad, where they were bowled out for 124 while chasing 177.
Batting collapses a recurring problem
Ten Doeschate highlighted that India's batting lineup has been prone to collapses, especially in crucial matches. In the series decider, India's top order failed to build partnerships, with the team losing five wickets for just 48 runs in the powerplay. "The batting unit needs to show more resilience under pressure. Collapses like these cannot happen in high-stakes games," ten Doeschate said.
He noted that the middle order, which includes experienced players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, must take more responsibility. India's average score in the series was 165, but they failed to cross 150 in two matches. Ten Doeschate emphasized that the team needs a more stable approach rather than relying solely on aggressive strokeplay.
Lack of adaptability to conditions
Another major concern, according to ten Doeschate, is India's inability to adapt to different pitch conditions. The Ahmedabad track offered assistance to spinners and slower bowlers, but India's batsmen struggled to rotate strike and build innings. "You cannot play the same way on every surface. The team needs to read the conditions better and adjust their game plans accordingly," he added.
England's bowlers, particularly Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan, exploited the conditions effectively, taking 10 wickets between them in the last two matches. India's batsmen, in contrast, failed to counter the variations. Ten Doeschate suggested that the team should focus on playing more domestic matches on turning tracks to improve their spin-playing skills.
Bowling unit needs more discipline
While India's bowling attack showed promise in patches, ten Doeschate pointed out that they lacked discipline in the death overs. In the series, England scored at nearly 10 runs per over in the final five overs across matches. "The bowlers need to execute their plans better, especially in the slog overs. Bowling yorkers and slower balls consistently is key," he said.
He also mentioned that the team management should consider giving more opportunities to young bowlers like Avesh Khan and Harshal Patel, who have shown potential but need more game time to develop. The series loss, according to ten Doeschate, is a wake-up call for India ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Mental toughness and team selection
Ten Doeschate emphasized the importance of mental toughness in high-pressure situations. India lost two consecutive matches after winning the first two, indicating a dip in morale. "The team needs to work on their mental strength. Losing back-to-back games after a strong start is a concern," he stated.
He also questioned the team selection, particularly the exclusion of some players who have performed well in domestic cricket. "There should be a clear strategy for the T20 World Cup. The squad needs to be balanced with players who can handle specific roles," ten Doeschate added.
As India prepares for the upcoming series against South Africa and the T20 World Cup, ten Doeschate's insights serve as a crucial reminder of the areas that require immediate attention. The team's ability to address these issues will determine their success in future tournaments.
