India is going to fight fire with fire against the West Indies, says Ryan ten Doeschate
A bereaved Rinku Singh will return to the Indian squad at the Eden Gardens, revealed Ryan ten Doeschate. The Indian team’s assistant coach said: “He has planned to join us, and we just need to get around and help him through this very difficult time.”
Looking at Sunday’s ICC T20 World Cup Super Eight clash against the West Indies, ten Doeschate said: “The team is prepared. These are professionals who live for these moments. It was a quick turnaround after the disappointment against South Africa. The guys regrouped well in Chennai.” Later, he added: “We are going to fight fire with fire.”
Stressing that in the tournament’s final phase, the big players have a key role, ten Doeschate said: “It is about experienced players standing up. It is a testament to the players that they adapted so well the other night (at Chennai). I thought Tilak (Varma) looked good at six after batting at three for the majority of the last 18 months.”
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At the same time, the assistant coach hinted that Tilak’s batting position isn’t fixed: “It’s not a foregone conclusion that he will bat at five or six. We have options. We have seen Sanju (Samson) at the top of the order, and he looked in good touch. We will have a proper look at the pitch and decide about the combination. Everyone chipped in (against Zimbabwe) and that is our modus operandi. We want guys to focus on partnerships and keep the rate going quickly.”
Assessing the West Indies, ten Doeschate explained: “They possess power as good as any of the best teams in the world. When they come to a T20 competition, they give absolutely everything. This is their big moment in the calendar. But it’s a challenge we are relishing.”
Published on Feb 28, 2026
