Cricket

The Indian men's cricket team, led by newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, embarked on their tour of Sri Lanka with a warm welcome in Pallekele. The team, comprising 15 members and support staff, arrived via Colombo after a pre-departure press conference in Mumbai.India will engage in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, who are yet to announce their squad. The first T20I will be played on July 27, followed by matches on July 28 and 30. The team will then proceed to Colombo for three One-day Internationals scheduled for August 2, 4, and 7.The Suryakumar-led side features several young players, including vice-captain Shubman Gill. However, it lacks the experience of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, who retired from T20Is after India's triumph in the T20 World Cup.Suryakumar's appointment as T20 captain over Hardik Pandya was based on his fitness and feedback from the dressing room. The team also boasts experienced players such as Sanju Samson, Pandya, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh.Gambhir, who took over from Rahul Dravid as national coach, expressed his excitement about the tour. "We are looking forward to the challenge of playing in Sri Lanka," he said. "We have a young and talented team, and we are confident that we can perform well."Yadav, the newly appointed captain, echoed Gambhir's sentiments. "It is an honor to lead the Indian team," he said. "We have a great team, and we are ready to give our best."The Indian team's arrival in Sri Lanka has generated significant buzz among fans. The players were greeted with enthusiasm and warmth, and they took the opportunity to interact with their supporters.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of Team India, has acknowledged the inevitable retirement of veteran players and the need for the team to navigate transition phases. Gambhir's appointment follows the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is after India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup.In a press conference, Gambhir addressed the question of whether he would encourage players to develop versatility across formats and maintain consistency in selection. He emphasized the natural progression of retirements and the importance of adapting to these transitions."Eventually, these things happen. But we can't say right now that there will be three different teams," Gambhir stated. "We will go through a transition in T20s because Virat, Rohit, and Ravindra are not there."Gambhir stressed the value of consistency in 50-over and Test cricket, highlighting the benefits of players who can perform effectively in multiple formats. "The more consistent we can be, the better. The more players that can play both formats, the better for the team," he said.Chief selector Agarkar echoed Gambhir's sentiments, stating that the team does not intend to create three distinct squads. "You don't decide on three different teams," Agarkar said. "We try to find the best balance depending on the format, whether it's the same players or different. Nothing is pre-decided. We try to pick the best 15."The speculation about three separate teams arose from noticeable differences in the T20I and ODI squads selected for India's tour of Sri Lanka. Notably, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was omitted from the ODI setup.Agarkar explained that Yadav was not considered for ODIs due to the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. "Shreyas is back, KL is back, they had great World Cups. Rishabh is back as well. So there is some real quality through the middle order," Agarkar said. "At this point, Surya is a T20 player."India's tour of Sri Lanka, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs, commences on July 27.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has dismissed rumors of a strained relationship with star batter Virat Kohli. Gambhir, known for his fiery on-field altercations with Kohli, emphasized that their personal differences will not affect their professional collaboration."What kind of relationship I share with Virat Kohli is between two mature individuals," Gambhir stated. "On the field, everyone has the right to fight for their team, but when representing India, we are on the same page."Gambhir expressed admiration for Kohli's professionalism and athleticism, recalling the time he awarded him the Man of the Match award after Kohli's maiden international century in 2009. "I have huge respect for him as a player, and it will continue," Gambhir said.Another key player Gambhir will work closely with is Rohit Sharma, who has retired from T20Is but remains captain in Tests and ODIs. Gambhir expressed confidence in both Kohli and Sharma's longevity in the game."They have both shown they can deliver on the big stage," Gambhir said. "They have a lot of cricket left in them, especially with the Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia coming up. If they can keep their fitness, the 2027 ODI World Cup is also a possibility."Gambhir's appointment has sparked speculation about a potential rift in the dressing room, but he dismissed such concerns. "We are going to be on the same page and try and make India proud," he said.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has refuted rumors that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rejected his requests for coaching staff personnel. In a press conference, Gambhir expressed satisfaction with the BCCI's acceptance of his proposals.Gambhir announced the appointment of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. Nayar, who served as assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during their IPL 2024 triumph, will join the Indian team. Ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands international, will serve as fielding coach, a role he also held at KKR.Gambhir emphasized the continuity of the support staff, with T Dilip continuing as fielding coach. He explained that the addition of two assistant coaches will allow for a more comprehensive focus on all three departments of the game."I feel there could be assistant coaches working and focusing on all three departments rather than one specific department," said Gambhir. "That's the reason we now have two assistant coaches. That's the way we will go forward as well."Gambhir confirmed that Nayar, Dilip, and former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule will accompany the team to Sri Lanka for the upcoming tour. Ten Doeschate will join the squad directly in Colombo.The head coach stated that the finalization of the entire support staff will occur after the Sri Lanka tour. He highlighted his positive experiences working with Nayar and ten Doeschate during the IPL."We still have one month after the Sri Lanka tour, and we can finalize after the tour," said Gambhir. "Importantly, I've worked with Ryan and Abhishek closely during the IPL. I enjoyed working with them, they are thorough professionals, and there can't be a bigger and better opportunity now."Reports have emerged that Gambhir has also requested the inclusion of South African pacer Morne Morkel in the coaching staff. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized his strong relationship with BCCI secretary Jay Shah, dismissing speculations of any discord. During a press conference before the team's departure for Sri Lanka, Gambhir stated, "I have a fabulous relationship with him. Jay Shah and I go a long way back. All these speculations about different things are given on different pages. I think we can do a better job by clarifying those things rather than putting it in the press."Gambhir stressed that the team's welfare takes precedence over individual interests. "The betterment of Indian cricket is more important. Gambhir is not important. All of us have hearts in the right place. If we all think that Indian cricket has to move forward, we will be on the same page. So far, I have had a great working relationship with him, hopefully, it will continue in the future as well," he said.The Indian team left for Sri Lanka on Monday for a three-match T20I and ODI series. The T20Is will be held on July 27, 28, and 30 at the Pallekele International Stadium, while the ODIs will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium from August 1.The T20I squad includes Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mohd. Siraj.The ODI squad comprises Rohit Sharma (C), Suhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, and Harshit Rana.

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, has appointed two new assistants to his coaching staff: Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. Both individuals were part of Gambhir's successful stint as coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."This is going to be the crux of the support staff," Gambhir said. "I have worked with people like Ryan and Abhishek in the last two months in the IPL, enjoyed working with them, thorough professionals. Hopefully we can have a successful tenure as coaches."In addition to Nayar and ten Doeschate, T. Dilip has been reappointed as fielding coach, while Sairaj Bahutule, who was part of the support staff in Zimbabwe, will take over as bowling coach. Barring ten Doeschate, who will join the squad in Pallekele, the others traveled with the team to Colombo on Monday.Dilip is expected to be the lone survivor from Rahul Dravid's coaching staff, while Morne Morkel is the front-runner for the bowling coach's post.Gambhir, who played a key role in India's World T20 and World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2011 respectively, emphasized the importance of winning and creating a positive team environment."My learning has been simple – it has been all about winning. I don’t deviate from something. We are in a profession where there can be only one winner. We try and play fair, we try and play hard and try and come back in a winning dressing room and a happy dressing room," he said."A happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. Ultimately it is the players’ team, support staff is there to try and get the maximum out of their potential. Some days international cricket can be tough, can be insecure as well because only 15 can keep. It is the job of support staff to keep them happy."

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has been appointed as the head coach of Team India, succeeding Rahul Dravid. Gambhir expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the legacy of his predecessors. He emphasized the importance of creating a positive and supportive dressing room environment.Gambhir will be assisted by Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate. He praised their professionalism and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to the team's success.The new head coach will face the challenge of managing a star-studded dressing room, including captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli. Gambhir emphasized his strong relationship with Kohli and their shared commitment to the team's success.Gambhir outlined the team's upcoming schedule, including the Champions Trophy, Australia series, and the 2027 World Cup. He expressed his belief in the team's potential and his determination to make India proud.Gambhir's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his experience as a coach, while others have praised his leadership qualities and his understanding of the game.Despite the challenges, Gambhir is confident in his ability to lead Team India to success. He believes in the team's talent and is eager to create a winning environment.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar held a press conference ahead of the team's departure to Sri Lanka for a white-ball series. Here are the key takeaways:Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI Future:Gambhir did not rule out the possibility of selecting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, but emphasized the importance of fitness. He stated that both players could be part of the side if they maintain their fitness levels.Suryakumar Yadav's T20I Captaincy and ODI Future:Agarkar confirmed that Hardik Pandya's fitness issues led to Suryakumar Yadav being appointed as T20I captain. However, Yadav is not currently in the ODI squad due to competition from Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer.Ravindra Jadeja's Absence From Sri Lanka ODIs:Agarkar clarified that Jadeja was not dropped from the team but rested due to the upcoming Test schedule.Shubman Gill As Vice-Captain:Gill has been elevated as vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is, reflecting the BCCI's long-term plans for him as a player in all three formats.Hardik Pandya's Fitness:Agarkar admitted that Pandya's fitness is a concern for the selectors. With Pandya no longer captain, the team management hopes to manage his workload and skillset better.Mohammed Shami's Return:Agarkar revealed that Shami has resumed bowling in the nets and could be available for the Bangladesh Test series.Relationship With Virat Kohli:Gambhir dismissed rumors of a rift with Kohli, stating that they are both committed to representing India. He declined to comment on their personal relationship.

India's newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has addressed the much-discussed relationship between himself and batting mainstay Virat Kohli, stating that it is a private matter. Gambhir and Kohli have had a history of confrontations in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but they will now be working together for the upcoming T20 and ODI tour of Sri Lanka."My relationship with Virat Kohli is between the two of us and not for TRPs," Gambhir said. He added that they have had "lots of discussions" and that "everyone has the right fight for their jersey."With the departure of Rohit Sharma and Kohli from the T20 International scene, workload management of players like Jasprit Bumrah becomes crucial. Gambhir emphasized the importance of managing Bumrah's workload, especially since Sharma and Kohli will now only play two formats."Workload for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important," Gambhir said. "Now that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play only two formats, I expect them to be available for most games."Gambhir also discussed the team's preparations for the Sri Lanka tour, highlighting the need for adaptability and flexibility. He believes that the team has the potential to perform well, but they must be prepared for the challenges ahead."We have a good team, but we need to be adaptable and flexible," Gambhir said. "We need to be able to play in different conditions and against different teams. We have the potential to do well, but we need to be prepared for the challenges ahead."