Cricket

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, has addressed the future of veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players have recently retired from T20Is, but remain in the ODI squad. Gambhir believes that the decision of how long they continue playing is up to them, but he believes they have "a lot of cricket left in them."Gambhir highlighted the impressive performances of Sharma and Kohli on the big stage, including the T20 and 50-over World Cups. He emphasized that both players are still world-class and any team would want to have them for as long as possible.However, Gambhir acknowledged that the decision of when to retire is a personal one. He stated that it is up to the players to determine how much they can contribute to the team's success. He also mentioned the upcoming Champions Trophy and tour of Australia as potential motivations for the players to continue playing.Gambhir expressed his belief that Sharma and Kohli could potentially play until the 2027 ODI World Cup if they maintain their fitness. He emphasized that the team's success is paramount and that the players' contributions will be crucial in achieving that goal.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of Team India, has outlined his vision for Indian cricket, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the team's success over personal agendas. In his inaugural press conference alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Gambhir stressed the need for transparency and direct communication to address any speculation regarding his appointment and the team's direction.Gambhir acknowledged the accomplishments of his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, and highlighted his intent to continue the team's legacy of achieving significant milestones. He stated, "I am taking over a very, very successful team. T20 World champions, runners-up in the WTC and ODI World Cup. The betterment of Gautam Gambhir is not important; Indian cricket is."Agarkar provided insights into the recent selection decisions, explaining the rationale behind appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain over Hardik Pandya. He emphasized the importance of having a captain who can consistently participate in all games, citing Pandya's fitness challenges.Agarkar also addressed the exclusion of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the Sri Lanka series, clarifying that Jadeja was rested, not dropped. He pointed out the strategic reasons for this decision, stating that it was pointless to take both Axar Patel and Jadeja in the same short series.Gambhir and Agarkar's remarks underscore a clear vision centered on strategic planning, transparency, and maintaining the high standards set by the team's recent successes. Moving forward, the focus is on the collective objective of enhancing Indian cricket, addressing challenges with clear communication, and making informed decisions for the future.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, will make his debut as India's head coach with a limited overs series in Sri Lanka. The tour will commence with three T20I matches scheduled for July 27, 28, and 30 in Pallekele. The three-match T20I series will be followed by three ODI matches on August 2, 4, and 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.Gambhir, who was appointed as India's head coach in June 2023, will be tasked with guiding the team to success in the upcoming series. India will be looking to build on their recent success in white-ball cricket, having won the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2023 Asia Cup.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where they failed to qualify for the knockout stages. The hosts will be led by Dasun Shanaka, who will be looking to make a statement against a strong Indian team.The series is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams boasting a number of talented players. India will be relying on the experience of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, while Sri Lanka will be looking to their young stars, such as Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, to make an impact.The series will also be an opportunity for Gambhir to assess his team's strengths and weaknesses ahead of the 2023 T20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia later this year. India will be hoping to perform well in the series and build momentum ahead of the global tournament.

Ravindra Jadeja's absence from India's squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka series has sparked speculation about his future in the team. However, ESPNCricinfo reports that Jadeja has been rested, not dropped.The decision to rest Jadeja is part of a strategic move by the selectors and new head coach Gautam Gambhir. They aim to test Axar Patel's ability to replicate his T20I performance in ODIs and keep Jadeja fresh for the ten Test matches scheduled from September 2023 to January 2024.Jadeja's absence also reflects the importance of managing player workloads. Ensuring top performers like Jadeja are in peak condition for crucial upcoming fixtures highlights the necessity of resting certain players.As Team India embarks on this new phase under Gambhir's leadership, the focus remains on both immediate and long-term goals. The decision-making process appears to be well thought out to address current needs while planning for future challenges.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer known for his gritty batting style, has embarked on a new chapter in his career as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Despite lacking formal coaching experience, Gambhir's appointment is seen as a bold move that could potentially reshape Indian cricket.In his playing days, Gambhir was a fierce competitor who played with a chip on his shoulder. Unlike many left-handers known for their elegance, Gambhir was a no-nonsense batsman focused on getting the job done. His determination and resilience were evident in his performances, particularly in high-pressure situations.As a coach, Gambhir is expected to bring the same intensity and determination to the Indian team. He has already made his mark by appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the captain of the T20I side, a decision that reflects his pragmatic approach.Gambhir's appointment comes at a time when the Indian Test team is facing a transition. Several key players are in their 30s, and the team needs to identify and groom their replacements. Gambhir's experience as a Test cricketer and his ability to nurture young talent will be crucial in this process.One of the biggest challenges facing Gambhir is the impending retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin, India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Ashwin's absence will leave a significant void in the team, and Gambhir will need to find a suitable replacement.Despite the challenges, Gambhir has a long-term vision for Indian cricket. His contract extends beyond the 2027 50-over World Cup, giving him ample time to implement his plans and build a team that can compete at the highest level.Gambhir's appointment is a testament to his reputation as a hard worker and a leader. He has a point to prove, and he is determined to make a lasting impact on Indian cricket.

India's tour of Sri Lanka marks a significant shift in the team's leadership and selection strategy under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. In the T20I side, Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed captain, while Hardik Pandya, previously seen as a natural successor to Rohit Sharma, has been overlooked.The ODI team has also undergone bold changes, with the exclusion of key players like Ravindra Jadeja, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson. The inclusion of Harshit Rana and Riyan Parag in both the T20I and ODI squads has raised eyebrows.T20I Squad:The T20I squad sees the return of senior players like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj. Notably, Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who featured against Zimbabwe, have been dropped.ODI Squad:The ODI squad welcomes back Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Mohammed Siraj, and Khaleel Ahmed. Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana have earned maiden call-ups.However, the exclusion of Sanju Samson, who scored a century in his last ODI match, has been met with surprise. Other notable omissions include Ruturaj Gaikwad, B Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, and Yuzvendra Chahal.Key Changes:* Suryakumar Yadav appointed T20I captain* Hardik Pandya overlooked for T20I captaincy* Ravindra Jadeja, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson excluded from ODI squad* Harshit Rana and Riyan Parag earn maiden ODI call-ups* Sanju Samson's exclusion from ODI squad raises questions

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is reportedly set to become the next bowling coach of the Indian cricket team. The news comes after discussions between Morkel and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following a recommendation from new head coach Gautam Gambhir.Morkel, who played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and was part of the title-winning team under Gambhir's captaincy in 2014, is expected to join the Indian team after the upcoming Sri Lanka series.However, Cricbuzz reports that Morkel will not travel to Sri Lanka for the T20I and ODI series, with former India spinner Sairaj Bahutule serving as the interim bowling coach.Morkel's appointment as bowling coach is seen as a significant move, given his experience as a player and coach. He has previously served as the bowling coach of the Pakistan cricket team and has worked alongside Gambhir as the bowling coach of the Lucknow Super Giants.In addition to Morkel, Gautam Gambhir has also appointed Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Nayar, who played three ODIs for India, and Ten Doeschate were part of Gambhir's coaching staff at the Kolkata Knight Riders when they won the IPL in 2024.T Dilip will continue as the fielding coach for the Indian team.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian batter renowned for his aggressive leadership and tactical acumen, has been appointed as the new head coach of Team India. This marks a new era for the Indian cricket team, which recently triumphed at the T20 World Cup 2024 under the guidance of Rahul Dravid.Gambhir's appointment has been met with anticipation and excitement. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has praised Gambhir's leadership qualities, stating that he is a "complete players' man" who will protect his players and bring a "clever tactical angle" to the team.Gambhir's coaching tenure will commence with an upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the skipper for the T20Is, while Rohit Sharma will lead the team in the ODIs. Notably, young batter Shubman Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain for both series.Gambhir's coaching credentials include two IPL trophies as a player with Kolkata Knight Riders and a successful stint as a mentor for the same franchise in 2024. His experience and tactical nous are expected to guide Team India towards continued success.The Sri Lanka series will provide an early glimpse of Gambhir's coaching philosophy and the team's performance under his leadership. The T20Is will begin on July 27, followed by the ODIs.

Hardik Pandya's captaincy aspirations have been dealt a significant blow with the announcement of India's squad for the Sri Lanka tour. Despite expectations of being named T20I captain, the new management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, has opted for Suryakumar Yadav as the skipper.Gambhir's arrival as head coach has reportedly played a role in Pandya's omission, with the former India opener unconvinced by his consistency and fitness. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has also expressed concerns about Pandya's tactical awareness, a crucial attribute for a successful captain.Agarkar's reservations stem from Pandya's below-par international appearance percentage of 50% across T20Is and ODIs in the last 19 months. The selection committee believes he requires guidance and support, which he received from Ashish Nehra at Gujarat Titans but not from Mark Boucher at Mumbai Indians.The younger players in the Indian dressing room are also said to respond better to Suryakumar's leadership style than Pandya's. This feedback has further influenced the decision to hand the captaincy to the Mumbai Indians batter.Pandya's path forward is now uncertain. He must perform exceptionally well in the Sri Lanka T20Is to prove his worth. Additionally, he needs to play domestic cricket to improve his international appearance percentage.If Pandya aspires to represent India at the Champions Trophy next year, he must participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Baroda in December. Despite the setback, Pandya's leadership ambitions are not over, as cricket is a game of unpredictable twists and turns.