Cricket

Team India's emphatic 3-0 T20 series sweep against Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone under the leadership of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The victory was not only a testament to the team's talent but also highlighted a crucial change in team dynamics.Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, revealed that since the T20 World Cup, the players have been instructed to refrain from forming smaller groups and instead sit together as a team. This initiative, according to Yadav, has fostered a stronger bond among the players, which has translated into improved performances on the field."We don't sit together as a team only when we win a game or a series. This trend started during the World Cup, where no matter the result or performance in the game, we used to sit together. We decided that we wouldn't sit in groups of 2 or 3 people but always sit together as a team. The same thing happened during this series. This leads to better bonding between the players and reflects on the ground. It also builds that friendship and ability to stand in support of a fellow member of the team," Yadav explained.However, former India cricketers Ajay Jadeja and Ashish Nehra expressed surprise at Yadav's revelation. Jadeja emphasized that team bonding should occur naturally within a team environment rather than being enforced as a change."That is what you expect in a team sport. I'm just surprised that players are talking about this even today and it has been rather a change in the team that players won't sit in small groups. I don't know, did you not all sit together in previous teams? But again, the captain mentioned that he brought this change, although this is old," Jadeja said.Nehra echoed Jadeja's sentiments, questioning why the management had not implemented this practice earlier. "Didn't he say that this change happened during the World Cup? That happened only a month back. I'm not doubting him, but I'm rather surprised that this has only started now," Nehra remarked.Despite the contrasting views on the team bonding initiative, India's dominant performance against Sri Lanka suggests that it has had a positive impact on the team's cohesion and unity. The team will now turn their attention to the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, where they will aim to continue their winning ways.

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Bury the Hatchet, Unite for Team India's SuccessThe recent training session of the Indian cricket team in Colombo has sparked optimism among fans and the cricket fraternity. Former captain Virat Kohli and new head coach Gautam Gambhir were seen engaging in a friendly conversation, signaling a positive shift in their relationship.Kohli, who recently joined the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, was observed having a lengthy chat with Gambhir. The laughter shared between the two former teammates suggested that they have put their past differences aside and are committed to working together for the success of Team India.The images of their interaction were widely circulated on social media, including by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, which Kohli represents. The RCB's caption read, "Our seasoned right-arm quick convincing the gaffer to give him the new ball."The Rajasthan Royals also shared the images, commenting, "Can't unsee it." The International Cricket Council joined in on Instagram, captioning a photo of Gambhir laughing with, "Why is Gautam Gambhir going?" followed by a laughing emoji.Kohli's return to the team marks his first appearance since announcing his retirement from T20Is following India's triumph at the T20 World Cup. Rohit Sharma, who also took a break after the tournament, has rejoined the squad.Interestingly, Gambhir had initially urged the senior players to make themselves available for the ODI series in Sri Lanka, despite reports suggesting they might not participate. Both Kohli and Rohit were subsequently named in the squad.Before the ODIs, the Indian team led by Suryakumar Yadav defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20Is. Yadav was appointed as India's T20I captain after the T20 World Cup.The positive atmosphere within the team and the reconciliation between Kohli and Gambhir have raised hopes for a successful ODI series against Sri Lanka. The team's unity and determination will be crucial as they aim to continue their winning streak and maintain their dominance in the sport.

The appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the Indian cricket team coach has sparked anticipation and debate within the cricketing fraternity. Gambhir, known for his aggressive leadership and tactical acumen, has a proven track record of success as a mentor. Under his guidance, Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL 2023 title, and Lucknow Super Giants reached two consecutive IPL playoffs.As the Indian team enters a crucial phase, with senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja retiring from T20Is, Gambhir's role becomes even more significant. However, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has downplayed the importance of the coach's role, stating that it is ultimately the players who determine the team's success.Manjrekar's comments, though intended as a general observation, have been interpreted by some as a veiled attack on Gambhir. This has led to a heated debate on social media, with fans and experts weighing in on the matter.Despite Manjrekar's skepticism, Gambhir's appointment has been met with optimism by many. His ability to inspire and motivate players, coupled with his tactical nous, is seen as a valuable asset for the Indian team.India's recent history in ICC tournaments has been a mixed bag. They won the ODI World Cup in 1983 without a designated head coach. In 2007 and 2011, MS Dhoni led the team to World Cup victories under different coaches. Under Ravi Shastri's mentorship, India came close to winning the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final in 2023.Rahul Dravid's tenure as coach culminated in India's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados, ending their 11-year-long ICC title drought.As Gambhir takes charge of the Indian team, he will be tasked with building a cohesive unit capable of challenging for major trophies. His experience and leadership qualities will be crucial in guiding the team through this transition period.

Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris believes that Suryakumar Yadav's appointment as India's T20I captain is a temporary measure, with Gautam Gambhir grooming Shubman Gill as the long-term leader.Styris, speaking to India Today, said, "I think he's a short-term option. I don't think Gambhir has a natural captain amongst the players that he has right now."He added, "He's buying himself time as to who will be the next long-term captain. Someone like Gill I think could do the job for 10 years for India, but he's not quite ready right now, so I think it was a really smart decision to bring in someone with a bit more experience."Suryakumar Yadav, fondly known as SKY, was appointed India's T20I captain after Rohit Sharma retired from the shortest format. Gill was named vice-captain for both the T20Is and ODIs on the Sri Lanka tour.Styris believes that Gill has the potential to be India's long-term captain, but he needs more experience. "You know, someone like Gill I think could do the job for 10 years for India, but he's not quite ready right now, so I think it was a really smart decision to bring in someone with a bit more experience," he said.SKY, at 33, is older than Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, who is 37. Therefore, developing a long-term captain for the future appears to be a sensible move by Gambhir.Gill captained India for the first time during the post-T20 World Cup tour to Zimbabwe, where India won the five-match series 4-1. Earlier in the year, Gill had captained IPL franchise Gujarat Titans to a disappointing 8th-place finish.Styris mentioned that despite the long-term vision, SKY could remain India's T20I captain till the next T20 World Cup in 2026. "If he (SKY) does a decent enough job, then he might be the captain at the next T20 World Cup. And then after that, you can look at Gill or any of the other potential options around. But yeah, I think it's a really clever decision," said Styris.India's three-match T20I tour of Sri Lanka gets underway on Saturday, July 27.

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is set to join the Indian cricket team's coaching staff as their new bowling coach. The appointment, made under head coach Gautam Gambhir, comes at a crucial juncture as the team prepares for a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka and the upcoming home series against Bangladesh in September.Morkel's addition to the coaching staff is part of an ongoing assessment by Gambhir and the management to refine the team's coaching framework ahead of future competitions. The strategic move casts uncertainty on the position of the interim bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, given Morkel's specialization in fast bowling.The decision on whether to maintain a dedicated spin bowling coach to work alongside Morkel remains pending. Should Bahutule continue in his role, the coaching staff would include two assistant coaches, Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, a bowling coach (Morkel), a fielding coach (T Dilip), and potentially a spin bowling coach, under the direction of head coach Gambhir.Morkel's appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian team. The former Proteas pacer played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa, taking a total of 544 international wickets. He was known for his accuracy, pace, and ability to swing the ball both ways.The Indian team is currently in Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series has already been won by India, with the ODIs set to commence on August 2.

Team India's new era under captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir commenced with a resounding 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening T20I of the three-match series in Pallekele.India, batting first, amassed a formidable 213 for 7, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the charge with a blistering 58 off 26 balls. Sri Lanka's chase appeared promising, with opener Pathum Nissanka anchoring the innings with a brilliant 79 off 48 balls. However, Axar Patel's crucial intervention in the 15th over, dismissing both Nissanka and Kusal Perera, swung the momentum in India's favor.Riyan Parag, playing only his fourth international match, made an immediate impact. He effected a run-out off his first delivery and then claimed his maiden international wicket three balls later, dismissing Kamindu Mendis. Parag's impressive spell continued, as he returned in the final over to dismantle Sri Lanka's lower order. He struck in consecutive balls, bundling out the hosts for 170 in 19.2 overs and finishing with remarkable figures of 3 for 5 in 1.2 overs.India's all-round performance, highlighted by Parag's game-changing spell, showcased their potential and set a positive tone for the remaining matches. The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the series and marks a promising start to the new era under Yadav and Gambhir.

The decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain of India's T20I team has sparked debate, particularly given the omission of Hardik Pandya from the leadership role. Pandya has previously led India in T20Is in Rohit Sharma's absence and was his deputy during the successful T20 World Cup campaign.India's chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, explained that the decision to name Suryakumar captain was based on fitness considerations. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who recently concluded his tenure, has endorsed the decision, citing Suryakumar's exceptional skills and leadership qualities.Mhambrey emphasized that Suryakumar's consistent performance and ability to win games for India make him an ideal choice for captaincy. He also highlighted Suryakumar's strong bond with the team, including the younger players."He's been with the team. I've seen him interact with the young guys. He has that respect from the younger lot. The youngsters need to interact with him, he's good at it. So, has a good bond with everyone in the team," Mhambrey said.Mhambrey also commented on the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach, expressing confidence in his experience but acknowledging the need for time to achieve optimal results.Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, commencing on July 27. The series will provide an opportunity for him to demonstrate his leadership abilities and further cement his position as a key figure in Indian cricket.

The evolution of coaching in Indian cricket has been a remarkable journey, from the days of amateur managers to the current era of professional coaches with lucrative contracts. In the past, the team manager, like P.R. Man Singh during India's 1983 World Cup triumph, handled multiple responsibilities. However, with the advent of commercialization and the recognition of mentorship's importance, the dressing room has undergone a significant transformation.The appointment of former stars like Kapil Dev and overseas experts like John Wright brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian team. However, not all coaching stints were smooth sailing. The infamous spat between coach Greg Chappell and captain Sourav Ganguly highlighted the challenges of managing strong personalities.In recent years, India has found success by sourcing coaches from within its own ranks. Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid have all served as head coaches, bringing their intimate knowledge of the Indian cricket system to the role. Gautam Gambhir is the latest addition to this illustrious list.Gambhir, a gritty former India opener, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for intensity to the coaching position. His 4,154 Test runs and crucial performances in limited-overs cricket, including top-scoring in India's inaugural ICC Twenty20 and 2011 World Cup victories, attest to his exceptional talent.Known for his unwavering determination and competitive spirit, Gambhir is expected to instill a similar mindset in the Indian team. However, he will also need to navigate the challenges of managing a diverse group of individuals and preparing India for the post-retirement era of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other senior players.Gambhir's appointment marks a new chapter in Indian cricket coaching. His experience, intensity, and understanding of the game make him a formidable candidate to guide the team to future success.

Team India, under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, is poised to face Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series on Saturday in Pallekele. Gambhir, renowned for his aggressive approach, aims to maintain India's dominance across all formats of the game.In the T20Is against Sri Lanka, India will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who was chosen over all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Ahead of the 1st T20I, a unique moment was captured during practice. Hardik, a fast-bowling all-rounder, bowled a leg spin, imitating the action of legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble. Skipper Suryakumar also showcased his versatility by trying his hand at pace bowling.Gambhir's intense approach and tenacity will present a different coaching style for the players, who must also adapt to the leadership of new T20I skipper Suryakumar. Suryakumar's elevation came as a surprise, as he leapfrogged Hardik Pandya for the job. The selectors prioritized a captain who would be on the field more often and relied on dressing room feedback.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will face a depleted bowling attack with the absence of experienced bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara due to injuries. The hosts have added Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka as replacements.