Ten Doeschate Anticipates Colombo Test as India Prepare for Pakistan Clash

Ryan ten Doeschate believes India face a unique challenge when they meet Pakistan cricket team in Colombo on February 15, with their rivals already settled in Sri Lanka for the past fortnight during the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Speaking in Delhi a day after Pakistan’s government lifted its boycott of the high-profile fixture, India’s assistant coach confirmed the team had prepared as if the match would go ahead all along.

“First of all, it’s great that the game’s back on,” ten Doeschate said. “We never really changed our preparation. We were always under the impression that something would transpire and we would play. It’s no big change in the way we’re going about things.”

India have sought to keep their focus firmly on cricket, distancing themselves from the political uncertainty surrounding the fixture. Ten Doeschate emphasised that the squad remained committed to its routines and tournament plans, regardless of the off-field developments.

However, he acknowledged that conditions could favour Pakistan. The team has been based in Colombo for two weeks and has already played two group games there, though the India match will take place at a different venue in the city.

“It’s going to be a challenge going to Colombo where Pakistan have been for the last two weeks,” he said. “We’re fully focused on bringing our best game to that fixture.”

While Pakistan benefit from a four-day gap between matches, India face a tighter turnaround. India cricket team play Namibia cricket team in Delhi on Thursday before travelling to Sri Lanka on February 13.

Recent history, though, favours India. They have won their last five meetings against Pakistan since October 2022, adding extra intrigue to what promises to be another high-stakes chapter in cricket’s most intense rivalry.