Team India's fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate addressed key questions about the upcoming South Africa series during a press conference held on November 12, 2025. The former Netherlands international provided crucial insights into team selection, player development, and management strategies that could shape India's approach to the important tour.
India's Playing XI Strategy for South Africa
Ryan ten Doeschate shed light on the team management's thought process regarding the final playing eleven for the South Africa series. The fielding coach emphasized that selection decisions would be based on current form, pitch conditions, and the specific requirements of playing in South African conditions. While he didn't reveal the exact lineup, he indicated that the think tank has clear plans about the combination they want to field against the Proteas.
The coaching staff is particularly focused on building a balanced side that can handle the challenging South African pitches. Ten Doeschate mentioned that both experienced players and promising newcomers are in contention for spots, with final decisions likely to be made closer to the start of the series based on player fitness and performance in practice sessions.
Dhruv Jurel's Development and Progress
One of the standout topics during the press conference was the development of young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. Ten Doeschate expressed strong confidence in Jurel's growth and adaptation to international cricket. He highlighted the youngster's work ethic and technical improvements, particularly noting his enhanced skills behind the stumps and with the bat.
The fielding coach revealed that Jurel has been working extensively on his keeping to spinners and his batting against pace bowling, both crucial aspects for success in South African conditions. "Dhruv has shown tremendous commitment to improving his game," ten Doeschate stated, indicating that the management sees him as an important part of India's future plans.
Workload Management Approach
With a packed international calendar, workload management has become a critical aspect of modern cricket. Ten Doeschate detailed the team's scientific approach to managing player fitness and preventing burnout. The coaching staff, in coordination with the medical team, has developed individualized plans for each player based on their recent playing schedule and physical condition.
The management is using advanced monitoring systems to track player fatigue levels and recovery patterns. This data-driven approach helps in making informed decisions about player rotation and rest periods, ensuring that key players remain fresh for important matches while giving opportunities to bench strength when appropriate.
Ten Doeschate emphasized that communication with players about their workload concerns is ongoing and transparent. The team believes this proactive approach will help maintain peak performance throughout the demanding South Africa series and beyond.
