- By Gurmeet Batra
- Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:26 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup: India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that India was mentally prepared for Pakistan's T20 World Cup clash and the end of their boycott has sharpened the team's focus on cricket.
Pakistan had initially announced it would boycott the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo, citing government directives.
However, the Pakistan government reversed its decision late on Monday, informing the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the side would participate in all scheduled matches, including the high-profile India clash.
Ten Doeschate said the Indian dressing room never permitted the off-field stories to affect its preparation.
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"No, like I said, you know we kind of accepted that as a status quo and until we got there and they didn't show up we were assuming we were going to play," the Ten Doeschate told the media ahead of the team's departure for Sri Lanka.
The coach emphasised that India's players were deliberately avoiding the political noise.
"We're also trying to stay clear of all the politics. I've mentioned before about the sentiments of the country and the different politics between the two countries, but I think it's really important for us just to focus on the cricket side of things," he said.
Ten Doeschate conceded that Pakistan's extended stay in Colombo could yield a logistical advantage as they prepare for the high-octane clash.
"It's going to be a challenge going to Colombo, where Pakistan have been for the last two weeks and we're fully focused on just bringing our best game to that fixture next week," he added.
