India’s assistant coach backs emerging allrounders Harsh Dubey, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana, while expressing confidence in Kuldeep Yadav despite recent struggles.

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India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has praised the team’s expanding pool of allrounders, highlighting their importance in India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Speaking ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai, ten Doeschate said the emergence of several promising allrounders has strengthened India’s squad depth across formats.

With Hardik Pandya unavailable for the ongoing ODI series, India handed opportunities to left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Harsh Dubey and seam-bowling allrounder Harshit Rana. The management views these players as valuable options capable of contributing with both bat and ball.

Ten Doeschate emphasized the significance of developing allrounders who can provide balance to the team, especially in overseas conditions.

“It’s really good,” he said. “Most of these players are bowling allrounders, but they are improving steadily. When Hardik is fit, he offers a unique dimension as a powerful batter and finisher who can also bowl. Nitish Kumar Reddy, in particular, has shown over the last 18 months how important he can become for this team. His body is getting stronger, and he looks like a natural successor or backup to Hardik.”

Nitish Kumar Reddy missed the second ODI in Lucknow because of a sore thigh but is expected to return for the series finale at Chepauk. With the series already secured, India may even consider playing an additional allrounder in place of a specialist batter.

The assistant coach also highlighted the progress of players such as Gurnoor Brar, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav and Auqib Nabi, noting that India’s lower-order batting depth could be crucial in future tournaments, particularly during the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Ryan ten Doeschate Dismisses Concerns Over Kuldeep Yadav’s Form

Ten Doeschate also defended wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has recently faced criticism following a difficult IPL season and a wicketless outing in the second ODI against Afghanistan.

Kuldeep endured his least effective IPL campaign statistically, registering an average of 38.10 and an economy rate of 10.29. However, the India assistant coach insisted there are no concerns regarding the spinner’s ability or future role in the team.

“Look, the wickets aren’t always there, and I thought he bowled really well the other night,” ten Doeschate said. “No real concerns about him. The game is evolving rapidly, and spinners have to keep reinventing themselves. With Sairaj Bahutule joining as spin-bowling coach, there will be a strong focus on tactical improvements, game planning and developing new skills.”

The team management believes Kuldeep remains India’s leading wrist-spin option despite increasing competition from younger spinners. Ten Doeschate stressed that healthy competition is essential for maintaining high standards within the squad.

“You have to fight for your spot in the team,” he explained. “Kuldeep’s quality and experience are unquestionable. There are players pushing for opportunities, but it’s our responsibility to help him continue improving and ensure he remains at the top of his game.”

India’s Allrounder Pipeline Strengthens World Cup Plans

India’s growing allrounder resources have emerged as one of the biggest positives from the Afghanistan ODI series. With players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Harshit Rana and Gurnoor Brar gaining exposure at the international level, the team management appears focused on building a versatile squad capable of adapting to different conditions ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The development of these multi-dimensional cricketers could provide India with greater flexibility in team selection and improve the balance of both their batting and bowling units in the years ahead.