Is Ryan ten Doeschate Proud of the Dutch Team Yet Loyal to India?
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Ahmedabad, Feb 18 (NationPress) Ryan ten Doeschate, who serves as India’s assistant coach and is a former player from the Netherlands, expressed his pride in the advancements of his national team. However, he stated that his allegiance is firmly with the defending champions, India, as they prepare to compete against the Netherlands in their concluding group match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.
Having joined India’s coaching staff in July 2024, this will be the first occasion for Doeschate to strategize against his home nation. In a video shared by the BCCI on their website, he reflected on the Netherlands’ development and his ties to the Indian squad.
“The Netherlands provided me with the opportunity to appreciate every other color. When I hear the word 'orange', my mind immediately goes to the Netherlands and its cricket team, which is famous for wearing orange. My time playing for them is memorable. It’s beautifully expressed that I’ve represented two colors that hold significant meaning for both countries and their people,” he remarked in a BCCI.tv video.
“I am incredibly proud of the Dutch team and their remarkable progress since my departure, but my heart, conscience, and loyalty now rest with the Indian squad,” he further stated.
The former Dutch cricketer praised the courage and exceptional skills of the Indian team and expressed gratitude for being part of such a talented group. “At a high level, you cannot engage in this sport without possessing these qualities. Courage, pride, and the unwavering bravery of the Indian players are aspects that I have come to expect. Performing at this level in this environment truly requires a great deal of courage,” he elaborated.
“Working with such a skilled roster is fantastic. I enjoy connecting with everyone, as they become like family. It's crucial for managing stress, and I appreciate this journey,” he concluded.