BCCI discusses future of Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel as T Dilip faces scrutiny

By Arjun Sharma — 12 July 2026 — 3 min read

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently engaged in discussions regarding the coaching staff for the Indian team. This comes as the contracts for assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fast bowling coach Morne Morkel are set to conclude after the ongoing ODI series in England this month. Both coaches, who were reportedly handpicked by head coach Gautam Gambhir when he assumed his role in July 2024, are considering their options.

Sources indicate that Ryan ten Doeschate is contemplating moving on from his position, citing challenges with year-round travel with the team. There are also reports suggesting he might be in discussions with an IPL franchise. Morne Morkel, on the other hand, is still evaluating his choices, though the BCCI is keen on retaining both individuals, particularly given the provision for extension in their two-year contracts.

The BCCI is actively communicating with both coaches to explore potential resolutions. The board has historically supported staff who have progressed through its coaching programme at the Centre of Excellence (CoE). The current situation requires careful handling as the team prepares for upcoming international commitments.

Coaching Staff Changes and Considerations

The potential departures of Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel could necessitate adjustments to the coaching structure. If agreements are not reached with ten Doeschate and Morkel, the BCCI may need to consider alternative arrangements. One possibility mentioned is sending Lakshmipathy Balaji, who was recently appointed as the fast bowling coach at the CoE, to Sri Lanka for the upcoming series.

The Indian team is scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in the first week of August. Prior to this, VVS Laxman, the cricket head at the CoE, will lead his CoE coaching staff for India’s three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe during the last week of July. This arrangement highlights the reliance on the talent pool within the CoE for coaching roles.

The contracts for Gautam Gambhir’s support staff, which are for two years, are expiring after the current white-ball tour of England. While Morkel and ten Doeschate have extension clauses, the situation with fielding coach T Dilip appears different. The BCCI would prefer to continue with the duo of Morkel and ten Doeschate, acknowledging their contributions to the team.

Fielding Coach Under Scrutiny

Fielding coach T Dilip is reportedly under significant pressure, with his job tenure uncertain. There is dissatisfaction within the board regarding the team’s fielding standards, which are perceived to have declined in recent months. Dilip, who was part of Rahul Dravid’s coaching team, was the sole member to continue after Dravid, Vikram Rathour, and Paras Mhambrey concluded their tenures following the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.

He received a one-year extension after the Champions Trophy victory in 2025, but it is considered unlikely that he will be granted another extension. Dilip has been known for his motivational speeches and the introduction of the ‘Best Fielder Medal’ after each game, which were popular initiatives. However, the current assessment of the team’s fielding performance has led to questions about his continued role.

Under Morne Morkel, the Indian bowling attack has performed adequately over the past two years. With an important tour against New Zealand scheduled for the end of the year and the ODI World Cup in South Africa on the horizon, Gautam Gambhir is understood to be keen on retaining Morkel. Similarly, Ryan ten Doeschate, a former Netherlands captain and KKR all-rounder, has been noted for his candid assessments and insights during media interactions.

The BCCI‘s discussions with the coaches are ongoing as they aim to finalise the support staff for the upcoming international schedule, with the Indian team due to leave for Sri Lanka in the first week of August.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com