Suryaa Sports Desk: Former Indian team assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has shared his perspective on the challenges of coaching star cricketers, noting that addressing technical flaws with senior players can be a delicate and risky task. Speaking on a podcast, ten Doeschate reflected on his experiences during the tour of Australia, where he addressed Virat Kohli’s batting technique.
Ten Doeschate noted that because star players hold significant influence, coaches often fear that providing feedback might be perceived as unnecessary interference, leading many to remain silent. However, he chose to engage with Kohli regarding his tendency to chase balls outside the off-stump during the Australia series.
The discussion took place during a rain break on the fourth day of a Test match. Ten Doeschate stated that Kohli, demonstrating maturity, appeared to welcome the feedback. He described the conversation as friendly and constructive, noting that Kohli shared his own thought process behind his batting style.
While the adjustments did not lead to the desired results in subsequent matches, ten Doeschate stated that the experience provided him with valuable insights into managing top-tier players. He emphasized that effective coaching involves understanding a player's mindset without imposing unnecessary pressure during difficult situations.