Former India assistant coach
Ten Doeschate, speaking on the talkSPORT Cricket podcast, acknowledged that the modern power dynamic in professional cricket often leaves coaches hesitant to intervene. He noted that many staff members fear that offering unsolicited advice might be perceived as an attempt to justify their own roles or as unnecessary interference, potentially causing more confusion than clarity for the athlete.
Navigating the coaching-player dynamic
The former Netherlands all-rounder explained that he was determined to avoid such reservations, even when dealing with a high-profile figure like Kohli. He recounted that the persistent nature of the dismissals had been a point of concern for some time before he finally identified a suitable moment during a rain delay in the fourth Test to initiate a conversation.
Rather than delivering a blunt critique, Ten Doeschate focused on a non-confrontational approach. He emphasized that the goal was not to force a change in technique but to engage in a dialogue about the batter's mindset. According to Ten Doeschate, Kohli was receptive to the discussion, explaining his own reasoning for his shot selection, which allowed the coaching staff to suggest minor adjustments around his established style.
The risks of technical intervention
Ten Doeschate highlighted the significant risk of introducing doubt into a player’s mind, particularly when they are preparing to face world-class bowlers. He noted that a coach must be acutely aware of the timing of such feedback, as raising a technical issue right before a player enters the field could prove counterproductive.
Reflecting on the experience, Ten Doeschate admitted that while the intervention did not yield the immediate results the team had hoped for by the end of the series, it served as a valuable lesson in communication. He maintained that the ability to deliver constructive feedback to a player of Kohli’s caliber is a vital skill for any coach, provided the message is delivered with the right intent and at the appropriate time.
