Kolkata, Nov 12 (UNI) India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate on Wednesday said the team has learned from past mistakes and is ready for the challenge of facing a spin-heavy South African side in the upcoming two-Test series, beginning Friday at the Eden Gardens.
The former Netherlands international also hinted that both wicketkeeper-batsman, Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant, are likely to feature in the playing XI and praised Test skipper Shubman Gill for embracing the challenge of leading across formats.
Speaking at a press conference after the team’s practice session, Doeschate said South Africa’s bowling combination makes them a formidable opponent in Indian conditions. “They have got four (three specialist) spinners at their disposal. Most likely they will play three, and it’s a little bit like playing against a subcontinent team,” he said.
He noted that India’s focus has been on countering spin, especially after last year’s 0-3 home defeat to New Zealand. “Hopefully, we’ve learnt from the New Zealand series. We’ve put plans in place for how to play spin better. It’s going to be so important over these two games, particularly after how well South Africa bowled in Pakistan,” he said.
Doeschate also backed Dhruv Jurel’s inclusion following his fine domestic form. “I would be very surprised if you don’t see Dhruv and Rishabh playing in this Test this week. Given the way Dhruv has gone in the last six months, and scoring two hundreds in Bengaluru last week, he is certain to play this week,” he remarked.
Jurel has been one of India’s most consistent red-ball performers this year, scoring over 1,000 runs with four centuries and six fifties since the Australia A tour.
On team selection, Doeschate clarified that strategy would guide choices, even if it meant benching some promising players. “Strategy comes first. The primary thing is to set out a plan to win the game. If you can accommodate giving guys a chance for development, that comes in. Our position hasn’t changed on Nitish. Given the importance of this series and the conditions we think we’re going to face, he might miss out this week,” he explained.
Addressing Shubman Gill’s leadership and workload, Doeschate acknowledged the growing demands of all-format cricket. “It is super challenging to play all the formats. That is why you see fewer and fewer players playing all formats. Shubman has taken up this challenge and is up for it. The boys are putting up so much work to be in good shape for the challenge,” he said.
The assistant coach expects South Africa to field a spin-heavy combination. “South Africa will most probably play three spinners and two seamers. That is a challenge when you play in the subcontinent. It is going to be a good challenge,” he added.
India, who have dominated South Africa at home — winning seven of their last eight Tests — will look to extend their record when the two-match series begins Friday at the Eden Gardens, followed by the second Test at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
