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.

Abhishek Nayar, a former Indian cricketer and renowned domestic and franchise coach, is poised to join the Indian team in Sri Lanka as an assistant coach for the upcoming white-ball tour. This appointment marks a significant step in the team's new era under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir.Nayar's extensive experience in developing and mentoring players has earned him a reputation as a sharp cricket mind and a skilled motivator. He has played a pivotal role in the success of several Indian stars, including Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, and Rinku Singh.Nayar's close friendship with Rohit Sharma dates back to their early days in Mumbai cricket. He played a crucial role in helping Rohit overcome a challenging period in his career, guiding him through a rigorous training regimen that transformed his fitness and performance.Nayar also played a significant role in Dinesh Karthik's transformation into a successful finisher in the latter stages of his career. He convinced Karthik to embrace the challenging role and provided him with the necessary guidance and support.Among the younger generation of Indian cricketers, Nayar has a special bond with KKR star Rinku Singh. He recognized Rinku's potential early on and worked closely with him to develop his skills and mindset. Nayar's unwavering belief in Rinku's talent played a key role in his emergence as a match-winning finisher.Nayar's appointment to the Indian team is a testament to his reputation as a highly respected coach and mentor. His expertise in player development, combined with his close relationships with several key players, is expected to make a significant contribution to the team's success in the upcoming tour and beyond.

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.

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his disappointment over the exclusion of Abhishek Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Sanju Samson from the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka.Harbhajan took to social media to voice his concerns, stating, "Hard to understand why @yuzi_chahal @IamAbhiSharma4 @IamSanjuSamson are not part of the Indian Team for Sri Lanka."Abhishek Sharma, a young batter, has been in impressive form, scoring big against Zimbabwe. Yuzvendra Chahal, a veteran spinner, had a brilliant IPL season. Sanju Samson, while included in the T20I squad, was left out of the ODI squad.Meanwhile, newly-appointed T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. He said, "The last few weeks have been nothing short of a dream and I am truly grateful. This new role brings with it, a lot of responsibility, excitement, and enthusiasm."India has named Suryakumar Yadav as the captain of their men's T20I team for the tour of Sri Lanka, with Shubman Gill named as the vice-captain of both the T20I and ODI sides. The white-ball tour to Sri Lanka will start from July 27 and will consist of three T20Is and ODIs. It will be India's first international assignment under new coach Gautam Gambhir.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, has made a triumphant return to the nets after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him from the T20 World Cup 2024. Shami, known for his exceptional swing bowling, was the highest wicket-taker at the ODI World Cup 2023, claiming 24 wickets in seven matches.In a recent podcast appearance, Shami shared amusing anecdotes about his camaraderie with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli. When asked who between Rohit and Virat was more challenging to face in the nets, Shami revealed that both batsmen were reluctant to face him."They (Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma) don't like facing me in the nets," Shami said. "I have said this in many interviews. It's like a very friendly bond with Virat. We keep on challenging each other. He tries to play different shots against me, while I try my best to dismiss him. This friendship keeps us motivated, which helps us giving our hundred per cent."Shami added that he had dismissed Kohli twice or thrice in the nets, much to the latter's annoyance. "I always set the field well and then ask Virat to come and bat against me. Rohit never agrees to face me in the nets. He straight away says no," Shami said.The 33-year-old pacer also disclosed that Ishant Sharma and Kohli were among his closest friends in the Indian team. "There is a group of close friends which has Ishant Sharma, Virat Kohli and a few former cricketers and we keep talking to each other on the phone. But it's not like we speak regularly to each other," Shami said.Shami's return to fitness is a major boost for the Indian team, who are eagerly awaiting his return to action. The pacer is a key component of India's bowling attack and his experience and skill will be invaluable in upcoming matches.

Mohammed Shami, India's star pacer, has revealed his closest friends within the Indian cricket team as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. Shami, who has been out of action since the ODI World Cup, has been working diligently to regain his fitness and is eager to make a comeback.In a recent interview, Shami disclosed that Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma are his best friends. He praised their unwavering support during his injury lay-off, noting that they regularly checked on him and provided encouragement. "Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma are my best friends. They are the ones who call me and check on me when I am injured and in recovery," Shami said.Shami's recovery process has been gradual, but he is taking a measured approach to ensure a full and lasting return. He recently shared videos on social media showcasing his progress, cautiously bowling a few deliveries in the training nets. "Vibing with the latest, grinding for the greatest," Shami captioned one of his posts.Despite missing the IPL 2024 and T20 World Cup, Shami remains optimistic about his future. He is likely to make his comeback in the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, which will feature two Tests and three T20 Internationals in September-October.Shami's absence was keenly felt during India's recent cricketing endeavors, particularly during the South Africa tour and the five-match Test series against England. However, his impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches, serves as a testament to his skill and determination.As Shami continues his recovery, he is receiving support from his teammates and the Indian cricket fraternity. His return to the field will be a significant boost for the Indian team, which is looking to regain its dominance in international cricket.

Shreyas Iyer's impressive performance as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has earned him a well-deserved recall to the Indian national team. The batter, who had previously been criticized for prioritizing the IPL over domestic cricket, has now made a strong case for his inclusion in the ODI squad.Iyer's return to the national setup is a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite being dropped from the ODI team last season, he remained focused and worked hard to regain his place. His consistent performances in the IPL, coupled with his impressive record in domestic cricket, have convinced the selectors to give him another chance.However, the same cannot be said for Ishan Kishan, who is believed to be out of favor with the selectors. Sources indicate that Kishan will only be considered for national selection after a full season of domestic cricket. The selectors believe that his focus on the IPL is hindering his development as a player.In addition to Iyer's recall, the BCCI has also announced the inclusion of Riyan Parag and Harshit Rana in the ODI squad. Parag, an all-rounder from Assam, has impressed with his performances in the Vijay Hazare National one-dayers, while Rana, a pacer from KKR, has shown promise in the IPL.The selectors have emphasized the importance of domestic cricket performances in their selection decisions. They will continue to monitor player availability and participation in the upcoming domestic season. This move is aimed at encouraging players to prioritize domestic cricket and develop their skills at the highest level.Abhishek Sharma, who recently scored a 46-ball century in the IPL, has missed out on a place in the ODI squad due to the presence of the skipper at No. 3. Similarly, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been overlooked.

Shubman Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting from July 27. This decision marks a significant leadership change, as Hardik Pandya, who was India's vice-captain during the recent T20 and ODI World Cups, has been replaced by the Gujarat Titans skipper.In the T20I squad, Gill will serve as the deputy to the newly appointed captain, Suryakumar Yadav, who has been entrusted with leading the team. Gill's appointment as vice-captain comes after his successful stint as the captain of the second-string Indian side that secured a 4-1 T20 series victory in Zimbabwe.For the ODI squad, where Suryakumar Yadav is not included, Gill will assume the role of vice-captain under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, who led India to victory in the T20 World Cup. Rohit will continue to captain the ODI team, which will play three matches against Sri Lanka in Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium on August 2, 4, and 7.Virat Kohli will make his return to the ODI squad, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah remains absent from the tour after a demanding season. Rohit and Kohli had initially planned to take a break but decided to return for the ODI matches as India begin preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled for next year in Pakistan.The decision to appoint Gill as the vice-captain over Hardik Pandya, who was Rohit's deputy in the T20 World Cup, is attributed to Pandya's frequent injury setbacks. Pandya remains part of the T20 squad but has been excluded from the ODI series, which will also see the return of Shreyas Iyer, who had previously lost his contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, is renowned for his ability to inspire players and lead them to victory, according to his childhood coach Sanjay Bharadwaj. Gambhir's unwavering determination and willingness to embrace challenges make him an ideal candidate to guide the national team to new heights.Bharadwaj, who has also mentored other notable cricketers such as Amit Mishra and Unmukt Chand, believes that Gambhir possesses the qualities of a top-notch coach. "Gautam has the ability to bring out the best in his players," he said. "He knows them well and can effectively utilize their strengths."Gambhir's competitive spirit and unwavering belief in his abilities have been evident throughout his career. "He always played with a challenge," Bharadwaj recalled. "He had a winner's mentality from a young age and never doubted his ability to succeed."Bharadwaj also highlighted Gambhir's keen observation skills and his ability to identify potential in players. "He predicted Rohit Sharma's resurgence when he was going through a lean patch," he said. "His observation about Rohit proved accurate."Gambhir's unwavering commitment to his decisions and his focus on team success are also key attributes that will serve him well as head coach. "If he feels something is right for the team, he will be firm on that decision," Bharadwaj said. "He doesn't believe in favouritism; the only thing that is his favourite is cricket."Bharadwaj's advice to Gambhir as he embarks on this new chapter is to remain true to his principles. "Be honest in your approach," he said. "You have a habit of taking up challenges and conquering them; repay the country's faith in you."With his proven track record of success as a player and his unwavering determination, Gautam Gambhir is poised to make a significant impact as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. His ability to inspire players, embrace challenges, and focus on team success will undoubtedly lead to a new era of dominance for Indian cricket.