Navigating the delicate ecosystem of a modern international cricket dressing room requires more than just a deep understanding of technique; it demands the social intelligence of a diplomat. For former India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, the task of addressing the recurring technical vulnerabilities of a superstar like Virat Kohli proved to be one of the most significant challenges—and lessons—of his coaching career.
In a candid revelation on the talkSPORT Cricket podcast, the former Netherlands all-rounder peeled back the curtain on the complexities of coaching in an era where the balance of power has shifted heavily toward the players. The focal point of his reflection was the high-stakes environment of India’s recent tour of Australia, a series where Kohli, one of the game’s greatest modern legends, found himself locked in a recurring cycle of dismissals, repeatedly edging deliveries outside the off stump while attempting to drive.
The “Fear Factor” in Elite Coaching
The sight of Kohli falling to the same trap became a dominant narrative during the tour, leading to external scrutiny regarding the efficacy of the Indian coaching staff. However, Ten Doeschate highlighted a deeper, often overlooked reality: the trepidation coaches feel when approaching elite players.
“I think a lot of coaches are afraid to make interventions because it can be seen that you are, you know, trying to justify your job, or you’re interfering, or just saying things for the sake of saying it,” Ten Doeschate admitted. He noted that in contemporary cricket, there is an inherent risk for support staff. Calling out an established star on a technical flaw can be viewed as an affront or an attempt to tinker with a proven process, creating a dynamic where coaches might opt for silence to avoid being labeled as intrusive.
“The way the power shift has moved towards the players in the modern era does mean that a lot of coaches are scared to bring up topics or at least get talking about it,” he explained.
Choosing the Right Moment: The Art of Timing
For Ten Doeschate, the goal was not to “fix” Kohli—a player whose career is defined by self-reliance and excellence—but to engage in a constructive dialogue. The former coach emphasized that coaching is not merely about identifying flaws; it is about knowing when to speak and, more importantly, when to hold back.
He recounted the psychological danger of offering feedback at the wrong time. If a coach approaches a player with a technical observation—such as a flaw in his pull shot—just as that player is preparing to face a lethal speedster like Mitchell Starc, the coach risks creating unnecessary cognitive interference.
“There’s always a risk that you sort of unsettle his frame of mind,” Ten Doeschate observed. “Technically, you might want him to watch the ball a little bit longer, but now all of a sudden he’s thinking about pulling… so that’s not the time to do it.”
A Professional Breakthrough
After careful deliberation, Ten Doeschate identified an opportunity during a rain delay in the fourth Test. He knew that the conversation required a “non-confrontational” tone to ensure the message was heard rather than received as an attack on Kohli’s legacy or methods.
“I had thought about it a lot, and I thought how I could deliver it. I’m not going to go to him and say, ‘Mate, you’ve got cover drives all over the show,'” he recalled. Instead, he approached the conversation as a peer-to-peer discussion. Much to his satisfaction, Kohli welcomed the input.
“He was brilliant about it! And he actually wanted someone to chat to him,” Ten Doeschate shared. The interaction evolved into a meaningful exchange rather than a one-sided lecture. Kohli articulated the logic behind his choice of shots, explaining why he opted to drive “on the up” in specific scenarios. By understanding the batter’s internal reasoning, the coaching staff could then offer adjustments that respected Kohli’s tactical intent rather than dismantling his entire approach.
The Lesson Beyond the Scorecard
While the specific intervention did not lead to an immediate shift in Kohli’s fortune on the scoreboard during the remainder of the series, Ten Doeschate views the experience as a vital milestone in his coaching philosophy.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver the results we wanted towards the back end of the series, but you know, I’d say if you can deliver it to someone like him, you can deliver it to anyone,” he said.
This behind-the-scenes look offers a rare perspective on the professional relationship between coaches and superstars. It underscores that at the highest level of sport, success is not just about the mechanics of the game, but the ability to cultivate an environment of mutual trust. For Ryan ten Doeschate, the primary takeaway was simple: the effectiveness of a coach is determined not just by the content of their advice, but by the courage and precision with which they choose to deliver it.
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