"Fight fire with fire": Ryan ten Doeschate urges India to embrace the pressure at Eden Gardens

As India prepares for a crucial "virtual quarterfinal" against the West Indies, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate emphasised the need to maintain a high-intensity "fire with fire" approach.

Ryan ten Doeschate attended the press conference for India.

Kolkata: As India get ready for a high-stakes "virtual quarterfinal" against the West Indies at Eden Gardens assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has called on the Men in Blue to "reframe" the immense pressure of the match. Following a heavy defeat to South Africa earlier in the Super 8 stage, India now find themselves in a must-win situation to keep their semi-final hopes alive. "I don't think you ever want to mask pressure. You want to go towards it," Ten Doeschate told the media during the pre-match press conference. "It’s a privilege to walk out at Eden Gardens for a match that decides your stay in the tournament."

Play fire with fire

Ahead of the big game on Sunday, Ryan commented that playing a knockout-style game at the iconic Eden Gardens is exactly the kind of scenario these athletes live for, and the team is focused on maintaining a high-intensity "fire with fire" approach to counter the explosive Caribbean style.

Tilak looked like a player who plays at 5 or 6

Tactical versatility stayed a central composition of the press confernce, particularly regarding the Indian batting order.

Ten Doeschate praised the adaptability shown by players like Tilak Varma, who flourished in a middle-order role during the last game against Zimbabwe in Chennai despite having spent most of the last 18 months at number three.

Read also: T20 World Cup 2026: Equation for India to qualify for the semis after the win against Zimbabwe.

India aware of West Indies' batting depth

While the coach stopped short of confirming a fixed lineup, he highlighted the "luxury" of having options like Sanju Samson and the deep hitting of Axar Patel.

Not only that, but the Indian cricket team management is also aware of the West Indies' ability to fight back from tough situations, as we saw in the game against South Africa, where they recovered from 83/7 to post 175, and has urged the Indian batters to maintain a high strike rate and intent throughout the innings rather than focusing on individual milestones.

Read also: 'All my soldiers are ready,' Darren Sammy sends a warning ahead of India vs West Indies, Super 8 match in Kolkata

Spin to win it in Kolkata?

On the bowling side, the spotlight will remain on Varun Chakaravarthy, who will be playing on his IPL "home ground" in Kolkata.

Ten Doeschate confirmed that Chakaravarthy remains India’s primary attacking weapon, whether used in the powerplay or as a partnership breaker in the middle overs.

The coaching staff has held specific discussions on navigating the "pace-off" variations and the spin duo of Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein, the Caribbean spinners, who have troubled Indian batters recently.

By relying on their experience of the Eden Gardens surface, India will now aim to attack for the full 20 overs, mirroring the aggressive blueprint that saw South Africa successfully do against the West Indies.

How to watch the India vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2026 match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2026 match on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

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