Cricket

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team has sparked excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike. Joining him as potential assistant coaches are former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and former Dutch international Ryan ten Doeschate.Gambhir's leadership credentials are well-established. As captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he guided the team to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His ability to revitalize struggling teams is a testament to his strategic acumen.Gambhir's bond with ten Doeschate dates back to their time at KKR. Ten Doeschate's selfless nature and unwavering commitment to the team left a lasting impression on Gambhir. In a media interaction, Gambhir described ten Doeschate as the "greatest team man" he has ever played with, someone he could "take a bullet for."Ten Doeschate, born in South Africa but representing the Netherlands internationally, is a versatile all-rounder. His impressive statistics include an ODI average of 67 and a T20I strike rate of 132.92. He has played for numerous clubs and franchise teams around the world, including Essex, Western Province, and KKR.Ten Doeschate's character sets him apart. Known for his humility and dedication, he is considered one of the best associate players in non-Test-playing nations. His performance in the 2011 ICC World Cup, where he scored a career-best 119 against England, showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage.With Gambhir's leadership, Nayar's all-around expertise, and ten Doeschate's selfless spirit, Team India is poised to benefit from a diverse and experienced coaching team. The upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be a test of their collective abilities and a chance for them to shape the future of Indian cricket.

Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Staff for Sri Lanka Tour Takes ShapeFormer India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and ex-Dutch international Ryan ten Doeschate are poised to join the Indian cricket team as assistant coaches for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to officially confirm the appointments, but the duo is expected to bolster the support staff of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir.Nayar and ten Doeschate bring a wealth of experience to the team, having previously worked with Gambhir during his tenure as coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Nayar, a former Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals player, is known for his tactical acumen and leadership skills. Ten Doeschate, a veteran of over 100 international matches for the Netherlands, possesses a deep understanding of the game and has a proven track record of success in various T20 leagues worldwide.T Dilip, who served as fielding coach under Rahul Dravid, will continue in his role. His expertise in fielding drills and team bonding exercises is considered crucial for the team's success in a competitive environment.Discussions are ongoing with former South African pacer Morne Morkel for the position of bowling coach. Morkel, who has collaborated with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, is a highly respected figure in the cricketing world.The Indian team is scheduled to depart for Colombo on Monday, July 25. The BCCI is expected to formally introduce Gambhir as the new head coach before their departure. A media conference is planned for July 22 in Mumbai, where newly appointed T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav will also be present.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised to officially unveil Gautam Gambhir as India's new head coach at a press conference scheduled before the team's departure for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. This tour marks Gambhir's first assignment since succeeding Rahul Dravid as head coach.Dravid's tenure concluded in June following the T20 World Cup, where India emerged victorious after defeating South Africa in a gripping final. Subsequently, the BCCI appointed Gambhir as his successor. The team is expected to depart for Sri Lanka on July 22 from Mumbai, with the pre-departure press conference likely to be held on the same day.India's Sri Lanka tour commences with a three-match T20I series on July 27, followed by a three-match ODI series to conclude the tour. The selection committee announced the white-ball squads earlier this week, naming Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain and Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain.Rohit and Virat Kohli, who both retired from T20Is after the T20 World Cup, were initially reported to be unavailable for the ODIs. However, the legendary duo was eventually included in the squad for the 50-over leg of the tour.Prior to the squad announcement, there was speculation regarding the T20I captaincy, given Rohit's unavailability. Reports suggested that Gambhir favored Suryakumar Yadav, while BCCI secretary Jay Shah backed Hardik Pandya. Ultimately, Suryakumar Yadav was named as the skipper for the shortest format, but he was not included in the ODI squad.Rohit and Virat were reportedly persuaded by the cricket board to make themselves available for the ODIs, considering the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February-March next year and the limited number of ODIs scheduled for India before that.

Indian pacer Harshit Rana's dream of representing India in international cricket came true when he was named in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The 22-year-old expressed his gratitude to his father, Pradeep, for his unwavering support throughout his journey.Rana shared a heartwarming picture on Instagram, lifting his father in his arms while wearing an Indian jersey. The caption read, "This BELONGS to you...LOVE YOU DAD." This gesture reflects the deep bond between father and son, and the immense role Pradeep has played in Harshit's success.Rana's selection is a testament to his impressive performances in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He emerged as one of the tournament's top wicket-takers, claiming 19 scalps at an average of 20.15. His victims included some of the biggest names in cricket, such as Heinrich Klaasen, Virat Kohli, Faf Du Plessis, and KL Rahul.Rana's all-round abilities extend beyond bowling. He has also demonstrated his batting prowess in first-class cricket, scoring a century and a fifty. His average of 49.00 in nine innings with a strike rate of 89 indicates his potential as a complete cricketer.India's tour of Sri Lanka will mark the first international assignment under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The former opener was appointed after Rahul Dravid's contract ended following India's ICC T20 World Cup title win.The ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour includes several stalwarts, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The team will be led by Rohit, who has returned to the ODI setup after a brief break. The squad also features promising youngsters like Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag.India will play three ODIs and three T20Is during their tour of Sri Lanka. The T20I series will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who has been appointed as the captain in Rohit's absence.Harshit Rana's selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His journey from a young cricketer to an international representative is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.

Suryakumar Yadav, India's newly appointed T20I captain, has expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support and affection he has received from fans and well-wishers. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Yadav acknowledged the immense responsibility that comes with the captaincy but also expressed his excitement and enthusiasm for the role."Thank you so much for the outpouring of love, support, and best wishes from you all," Yadav wrote. "The last few weeks have been nothing short of a dream, and I am truly grateful. Playing for the country is the most special feeling that I will never be able to describe in words."Yadav's appointment as T20I captain follows Rohit Sharma's decision to step down from the role after India's triumph at the T20 World Cup last month. The 33-year-old Yadav has been selected to lead a 15-member Indian T20 team for a three-match series in Sri Lanka, starting on July 27 in Pallekele.According to reports, Yadav's aggressive batting style in the middle order and his reliability in the T20 format made him the primary choice for new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Yadav, who previously captained Mumbai in domestic cricket, led India to a 4-1 T20 series win over Australia last year and followed it up with a 1-1 result in South Africa.Yadav's appointment has been met with widespread praise from the cricketing fraternity. Former India captain Virat Kohli hailed Yadav as a "fearless and aggressive" player who will bring a "fresh perspective" to the team. Head coach Gambhir expressed confidence in Yadav's leadership abilities, saying that he is "a natural leader who leads by example."As India prepares for the T20I series against Sri Lanka, Yadav will be keen to make a strong start to his captaincy tenure. The series will provide him with an opportunity to establish his authority and set the tone for the team's future. With his proven ability and the support of his teammates and fans, Yadav is well-positioned to lead India to success in the shortest format of the game.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its intention to closely monitor player availability and participation in the upcoming domestic cricket season (2024-25). This move is a clear indication that the BCCI expects India internationals to prioritize domestic competitions when not selected for the national team.The BCCI's decision stems from the recent controversy surrounding the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the list of BCCI-contracted players due to their absence from state team matches. The board is keen to ensure that international players remain committed to domestic cricket and continue to develop their skills across all formats.The monitoring process will involve assessing player performance in domestic competitions and tracking their availability for state teams when not on India duty. The BCCI will also consider the workload management of players, as evidenced by the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka.According to reports, the topic of player availability was discussed during the recent selection committee meeting. The BCCI has reportedly spoken to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli regarding their availability for the Sri Lanka tour, leading to their inclusion in the ODI squad.The BCCI's focus on domestic cricket aligns with the vision of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has emphasized the importance of players competing in all three formats. By monitoring player availability and participation, the BCCI aims to foster a strong domestic circuit that will produce high-quality players for the Indian team.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as India's head coach has raised questions about his strained relationship with Virat Kohli. However, according to a report in Cricbuzz, Kohli has communicated to the BCCI that he is willing to move on, prioritizing the best interests of the team and Indian cricket.Kohli, who has been on a break since India's T20 World Cup victory, has been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Earlier reports suggested that both Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma would skip the series, but they will now join the team for the 50-over leg. Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as the T20 captain following Rohit's retirement from the format.Despite past on-field disagreements and confrontations in the Indian Premier League, Kohli is believed to have stated that previous issues will not affect their professional relationship in the dressing room. He has reportedly communicated this clearly to BCCI officials. Discussions on the matter were likely held after the T20 World Cup final.The Sri Lanka tour will mark Gambhir's first assignment as India's head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup. Both Gambhir and Kohli share a similar approach to cricket, wearing their hearts on their sleeves and expressing their emotions openly.Gambhir's intense patriotic fervor adds an extra dimension to his coaching style, a trait he shares with Kohli. When these qualities are combined for the common goal of winning matches and trophies for India, it has the potential to make the team invincible in all formats, especially with Kohli continuing to play in Tests and ODIs.

Harshit Rana, a 22-year-old fast bowler from Delhi, has finally earned his long-awaited call-up to the Indian ODI team. The journey to this moment has been filled with setbacks and disappointments, but Rana has never given up hope.Rana's exceptional performance in the IPL, where he claimed 19 wickets and played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders' victorious campaign, finally earned him recognition on the national stage. Despite facing numerous setbacks and being overlooked during his journey from the junior levels, Rana's determination and hard work have paid off."Delhi mein dil tooth sakta hai par humne kabhi hausla nahi haraa (Delhi can break your heart but I never lost hope)," Rana said in an emotional statement.Rana credits his father, personal coach Amit Bhandari, and former India and Delhi pacer Gautam Gambhir for his success. Gambhir, in particular, has had a profound impact on Rana's mindset."If my outlook towards the game has changed, a lot of it has got to do with Gauti bhaiyya's presence in the KKR dressing room and how he changed my mindset. At the elite level, you require skills but more than skills you require the heart to handle the pressure," Rana said.Rana's performances in white ball cricket for Delhi have been exceptional. He has claimed 22 wickets in 14 games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 28 wickets in 25 T20 matches.Rana's ability to execute his arsenal of deliveries with precision under pressure has been key to his success. He consistently hits the blockhole, fires wide yorkers, and deceives batsmen with cleverly disguised slow bouncers."If you ask about the pressure part it is Gautam Gambhir's advice. He would say, 'what's the worst thing that will happen? You will get hit and we can lose the match. But if you don't face your fears, how will you overcome them'?" Rana said.Bhandari, Rana's personal coach, believes that the bowler possesses the necessary skills and abilities to excel in international competitions."In Delhi, you always hear about corruption, groupism, nepotism. Now look at the bonafide Delhi greats. Most have within two years of Delhi debut played for India. Viru (Sehwag), Gauti (Gambhir), Ishant (Sharma), Rishabh (Pant) all had talent and didn't hover around domestic cricket for long. If you are a talented Delhi cricketer, the system can't stop you. And if you aren't, then even in 15 years, you won't make it," Bhandari said.Rana's call-up to the Indian ODI team is a testament to his hard work, determination, and talent. He is now ready to take the next step in his career and represent his country at the highest level.

India's Squad for Sri Lanka Tour: Gambhir's Influence and Key TakeawaysWith Gautam Gambhir taking over as India's head coach, significant changes have been made to the squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Gambhir's influence is evident in the selection process, with several key takeaways emerging:1. Hardik Pandya's Omission from Leadership GroupDespite being the vice-captain for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya has been surprisingly omitted from any leadership role in the current squad. Instead, Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain in both the ODI and T20I formats. This decision raises questions about Pandya's future in the captaincy pecking order, potentially due to his injury concerns or his disappointing stint as Mumbai Indians captain.2. Shubman Gill's Promotion as Future CaptainGambhir appears to be grooming Shubman Gill as India's future captain in all formats. Gill's appointment as vice-captain in both squads, ahead of Pandya, suggests that Gambhir is looking towards the 2027 World Cup and beyond.3. Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma Dropped from T20I SquadDespite his impressive performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Kuldeep Yadav has been left out of the T20I squad. This decision may be related to workload management, as Yadav remains in the ODI squad. Abhishek Sharma, who scored a century against Zimbabwe, has also been dropped, while Riyan Parag has been preferred over him.4. Gambhir's Faith in KKR PlayersSeveral players who have performed well under Gambhir's leadership at Kolkata Knight Riders have been included in the India squad. Shreyas Iyer, Harshit Rana (ODIs), and Rinku Singh (T20Is) have all been rewarded for their contributions to KKR's success.