India’s Assistant Coach Ten Doeschate Backs Bumrah’s Tough Role, Says Samson Still Adapting to No. 5
India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has thrown his support behind fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, praising him for taking on a particularly demanding role in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Despite modest numbers in the tournament so far, Bumrah continues to be a central figure in India’s bowling attack.
“He's doing a very tough task,” ten Doeschate said ahead of India’s crucial Super Four clash against Bangladesh. “You don’t see many bowlers in this format bowling three overs in the powerplay. It’s strenuous, but it’s also the right kind of preparation ahead of the Test series against West Indies.”
Bumrah has claimed just three wickets in the Asia Cup, conceding runs at an economy of 8.36 in three games. He was rested for the final group-stage game against Oman but has bowled in pressure situations—three overs in the powerplay and one at the death—in each of his appearances.
While Bumrah went wicketless and leaked 45 runs in India’s most recent match against Pakistan, ten Doeschate emphasized that the conditions and match situation made it a tough outing.
“It wasn’t his most polished performance,” he said, “but given the responsibility he's shouldering—bowling with only two fielders out early and returning at the death—we understand the challenge. Some days you won’t get wickets and you’ll go for runs.”
Samson’s Middle-Order Adjustment
Ten Doeschate also addressed Sanju Samson’s evolving role at No. 5, a position the Kerala batter is still adapting to after years of success at the top of the order in both international cricket and the IPL.
After not batting in India’s first two games, Samson top-scored with 56 off 45 balls against Oman when promoted to No. 3. He then returned to the middle order in the Super Four game against Pakistan, managing 13 off 17 before being bowled by Haris Rauf.
“He’s still figuring out how to play that role,” said ten Doeschate. “The Pakistan pitch was a bit tired, and coming in at No. 5 is very different from his usual role. But with Shubman [Gill], Abhishek [Sharma], and Tilak [Verma] performing well, we feel Sanju is the best fit for No. 5. We have no doubt he’ll grow into it.”
Little Room for Experimentation
With India in a tightly contested Super Four group, there’s limited scope for experimenting with team combinations. Players like Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh are yet to feature in the tournament.
Ten Doeschate explained that the Asia Cup format offers little room for risk.
“You don’t get the luxury to ease off. Even with two wins, you’re not guaranteed qualification. That’s the nature of this tournament,” he said. “Bilateral series are probably more suited to trying out new players and testing flexibility.”
Eyes on the Final, but Respect for Bangladesh
India and Bangladesh both won their opening Super Four games, making Wednesday’s clash a potential decider for a spot in the final. Ten Doeschate praised Bangladesh for their recent progress and aggressive brand of T20 cricket.
“Our principle is simple—respect everyone, fear no one,” he said. “We know Bangladesh have some exciting attacking players, and they've adapted well to the modern T20 style. We’re focused on executing our processes better than we did against Pakistan.”
India will aim to bounce back with a more clinical performance, while ensuring their key players like Bumrah are in peak form ahead of the upcoming Test series.