3 former players who can replace Ryan ten Doeschate as India’s assistant coach

3 former players who can replace Ryan ten Doeschate as India assistant coach (Photo Source: BCCI/MI)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to have a vacancy in the senior men’s team’s support staff after Ryan ten Doeschate departed from his role as assistant coach following India’s white-ball tour of England. The former Netherlands all-rounder, who joined the Indian setup alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir in July 2024, played a key role in India’s successful campaigns, including the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

With ten Doeschate now taking over as the Head of Cricket Strategy at Kolkata Knight Riders, the Indian men’s team could look at veteran former cricketers to fill the vacant position.

Here are 3 former cricketers who could take over as India’s assistant coach

3. Harbhajan Singh

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh could be a strong candidate for the role, thanks to his vast playing experience and growing involvement in coaching.

Harbhajan represented India for nearly two decades and finished with 417 Test wickets and 269 ODI wickets. He was also a member of India’s victorious squads in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.

In recent years, Harbhajan has started contributing to player development. Earlier in 2026, he conducted a specialist off-spin camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, where he worked with young bowlers such as Saransh Jain, Tanush Kotian, and Himanshu Singh. His experience of mentoring emerging spinners and understanding of the modern game could make him a valuable addition to India’s coaching staff.

2. Hrishikesh Kanitkar

Former India all-rounder Hrishikesh Kanitkar is another strong contender, having already built an impressive coaching résumé within the BCCI setup.

Kanitkar currently serves as the head coach of India’s Under-19 team and is also associated with India A. Under his guidance, India won the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2026, further strengthening his reputation as a coach capable of developing young talent.

Having worked closely with several players progressing through India’s domestic and age-group system, Kanitkar has a good understanding of the next generation of cricketers. His familiarity with the BCCI’s coaching structure could help him make a smooth transition into the senior team’s support staff.

1. Zaheer Khan

Legendary Indian pacer Zaheer Khan is another experienced name who could be considered for the assistant coach’s role.

Zaheer has gained valuable coaching and management experience in the IPL over the last few years. He worked with the Mumbai Indians as Director of Cricket between 2018 and 2021 before becoming the franchise’s Global Head of Cricket Development in 2022. Later, he joined the Lucknow Super Giants as a team mentor, where he played an important role in scouting players, planning strategies, and guiding the bowling unit.

Earlier this year, Zaheer also conducted a specialised red-ball training camp for emerging fast bowlers at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, focusing on bowling action, control, and variations.

With India preparing for several major ICC tournaments over the next few years, Zaheer’s knowledge of fast bowling could prove invaluable. His appointment as assistant coach would not only strengthen India’s pace attack but could also serve as a stepping stone towards a future role as the national team’s head coach.