Cricket

Sri Lanka's captain, Charith Asalanka, has announced that his team will bat first in the upcoming ODI against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Asalanka cited the dry pitch conditions as the reason for their decision.The match marks the debut of Mohamed Shiraz for Sri Lanka, who will join a lineup featuring six batters and five bowlers. Asalanka acknowledged the need for improvement in his team's mental fortitude, particularly after their recent loss. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the present and playing well.Injuries remain a concern for Asalanka as a captain, but he expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome these challenges and perform well with their second lineup.The toss result gives Sri Lanka the advantage of batting first, a decision that could prove crucial in the match. Virat Kohli, India's star batsman, has an impressive record at the R Premadasa Stadium, having scored 644 runs in 10 innings with an average of 107.33, including four centuries.The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will be held on August 2, 4, and 7, with all matches taking place at the R Premadasa Stadium. This marks India's first ODI of 2024.

Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka's interim coach, is urging his team to harness the criticism they have faced after their T20I series loss to India and turn things around in the upcoming 50-over leg of the tour."I remind them that I have been in their shoes during my 20-year playing career," Jayasuriya said ahead of the first ODI in Colombo. "Many of you are just starting out. You must embrace this criticism and respond with strong performances. If you play well, the fans will adore you. Their words stem from the pain they feel, which is temporary."Jayasuriya emphasized that the Sri Lankan team is putting in "tremendous effort" in training, and the batting collapses they experienced in all three T20Is were simply due to a lack of execution. In the third T20I, they lost 7 for 27, allowing India to force a Super Over despite the hosts being well on their way to chasing down 138. In the first T20I, they lost 9 for 30 after setting themselves up for victory at 140 for 1 in 14 overs while chasing 214.Jayasuriya believes that the meltdowns were not caused by a lack of skill or commitment but rather by a need to improve their "cricket awareness." He explained that they have implemented a system where top-order batters can bat for extended periods during training."We have created a system where top-order batters could bat for two or three hours during training," he said. "Kamindu Mendis batted for more than 600 balls during our training. Kusal Perera batted for over 700 balls, which is a significant number of overs.""I don't see a lack of commitment, but they have got to tackle pressure better. Their cricket awareness also needs sharpening. We are taking the responsibility; you can't go away from that. As long as they realize that, and make sure that, we'll have to keep giving them the confidence and support."Jayasuriya elaborated on the "cricket awareness" aspect by citing how it was acceptable to not be a six-hitting team."When you talk about power hitting, I don't think you need that much," Jayasuriya said. "If you hit enough fours and enough twos, you get the total that you need. The [Sri Lankan] grounds are a little bigger. There's no reason why you can't hit boundaries, or twos, or threes. If you can do that, you can get by without hitting so many sixes."Jayasuriya also backed new captain Charith Asalanka to come good, while underlining the importance of giving him time to settle into the new role before being judged. Since his debut in 2021, Asalanka has risen to become one of Sri Lanka's more consistent ODI batters, averaging 43.59 with a strike rate of almost 90 across 52 innings."Charith Asalanka is one of our best players in this format, and we need to remember that," Jayasuriya said. "But when you get the captaincy, there is some pressure. I've been there too. You have got to give them a little time in that position.""There are ten more players in the side, and 16 in the squad. We all have to get together and give him the confidence too. At any moment, the captain could click. Charith Asalanka is someone who works really hard. He's very professional and communicates well."The Sri Lanka players have been hit by injuries and illnesses in the lead-up to the ODI series. The list is rather long - Binura Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara are all unavailable."We have brought Pramod Madushan into our squad," Jayasuriya said. "There's also a viral flu in the team and we need to account for that. Maheesh Theekshana was sick and he recovered enough to play. Wanindu Hasaranga also had it. There were several who caught it and in the end, we even had to admit Binura Fernando to the hospital."The absence of key players, though, is not something Jayasuriya wants to use as an excuse. He insists there's plenty to play for and has spoken to players individually about placing an emphasis on being "mentally in the right place.""I'm interim coach and I've only got these two series, but that's not how I think," he said. "When I was playing, and even now, I hate to lose. The players who are around now know that too. When I talk to them, I tell them that fans in this country love the game, and a lot of us, including me, have brought cricket into this country to a certain place.""I've spoken about that a lot individually with players and as a team. In terms of facilities and practice, I've tried to do as much as I can. What I want is to create a good environment so they can be mentally in the right place and can play with confidence."

South Africa and Afghanistan are set to embark on a historic three-match ODI series in Sharjah from September 18 to 22. This marks the first-ever bilateral series between the two nations, a testament to the growing stature of Afghanistan cricket.The series was not initially part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), but the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) reached an agreement to host the event. CSA Chairman Lawson Naidoo hailed the series as a "significant milestone" in the partnership between the two boards.Afghanistan's recent performances in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 have earned them widespread recognition as a competitive all-round team. Naidoo expressed excitement about facing such a formidable opponent.ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf echoed Naidoo's sentiments, stating that the series would provide Afghanistan with an opportunity to host and play against a top-ranked team like South Africa. He expressed hope for regular future encounters between the two nations.Before heading to the UAE, South Africa will face West Indies in a two-Test and three-T20I series in the Caribbean starting August 7. For Afghanistan, the South Africa series comes on the heels of their maiden Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida, India, scheduled for September 9 to 13.The South Africa-Afghanistan ODI series will provide both teams with valuable preparation ahead of their respective international commitments. South Africa will face Ireland in a two-T20I and three-ODI series in Abu Dhabi starting September 27, while Afghanistan will participate in the Asia Cup 2024 in September.

Team India's newly appointed T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has been excluded from the ODI squad, as confirmed by BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar stated that Yadav's name was not considered for the ODI team due to the return of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant.Despite being part of India's 2023 ODI World Cup squad, Yadav's position in the ODI pecking order has diminished. Former India batter Aakash Chopra predicts that Yadav will also miss out on the Champions Trophy next year, as he is not included in the ODI series against Sri Lanka.Chopra believes that Yadav's exclusion from the ODI team indicates that he is currently not being considered for the 50-over format. He suggests that Yadav's focus will be solely on T20Is.In contrast, Chopra expects Shubman Gill to be a part of India's Champions Trophy team, given his appointment as ODI vice-captain. Agarkar has praised Gill's three-format potential and his leadership qualities, which were evident during his captaincy in the IPL and against Zimbabwe.The BCCI's decision to exclude Yadav from the ODI team has sparked discussions about the future of the Indian ODI squad. With the likes of Rahul, Iyer, and Pant returning, the competition for places in the middle order has intensified. It remains to be seen whether Yadav can regain his place in the ODI team or if he will continue to focus on T20Is.

Team India's ODI and Test captain, Rohit Sharma, recently made a stylish appearance on the streets of Mumbai in his luxurious Range Rover. The star cricketer, who has been enjoying a break since India's triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, was spotted with his wife Ritika Sajdeh and daughter Samaira.As Rohit navigated the city, his car's number plate caught the attention of onlookers. The number, 00264, holds special significance as it matches Rohit's highest score in ODI cricket. This unique touch adds to the aura of the Indian skipper, who is known for his exceptional batting prowess.Rohit's outing comes ahead of his departure to Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series. The series will mark his return to international cricket after a brief hiatus. Rohit has been in impressive form lately, leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup.Despite his recent retirement from T20I cricket, Rohit has made it clear that he has no plans to step away from ODIs and Tests anytime soon. He remains a vital cog in India's batting lineup and will be looking to continue his success in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.Rohit's appearance in Mumbai also sparked a buzz on social media, with fans sharing videos and photos of his outing. The Indian captain's stylish ride and his car's unique number plate have become a talking point among cricket enthusiasts.As Rohit prepares for his return to international cricket, his fans will be eagerly awaiting his performance in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. The Indian skipper will be hoping to lead his team to another victory and continue his impressive run of form.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, will take over as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team on July 27th. He will lead the team in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, followed by a three-match ODI series starting on August 2nd. Gambhir replaces Rahul Dravid, whose tenure ended after India's victory at the T20 World Cup 2024.Gambhir, who was a key member of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning teams, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa has praised Gambhir's leadership qualities, describing him as "approachable" and "empathetic."Uthappa, who played under Gambhir's captaincy at Kolkata Knight Riders, said, "He has been an incredible man manager. He is someone who is always available, he is very empathetic, and he is there for his players."Uthappa believes that Gambhir's leadership style will be different from Dravid's, but equally effective. "I think he will be a very fair leader and he is someone who provides security to his group," he said.Gambhir's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some experts believe that his aggressive and outspoken nature may not be suitable for the role of head coach. However, others believe that his passion and intensity will be beneficial for the team.It remains to be seen how Gambhir will perform as India's head coach. However, his experience as a player and his strong leadership qualities suggest that he has the potential to be successful.

Shubman Gill, the rising star of Indian cricket, has expressed his admiration for the newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and his clear and concise approach to the game. Gill, who has been named the vice-captain for both the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, believes that Gambhir's guidance will be invaluable as the team prepares for the upcoming challenges.Gill has also set his sights on becoming a versatile batsman, capable of performing consistently across all formats and in various playing conditions. His ultimate aim is to contribute to the team's success, but he also recognizes the importance of solidifying his position as a reliable player in any situation.Despite being part of the Indian squad during the T20 World Cup as a travelling reserve, Gill was unable to secure a spot in the final 15-man roster. The young right-hander has identified this as an area that requires improvement and is determined to work on his skills to ensure he becomes an indispensable member of the team in the future.However, the 24-year-old is now focused on the upcoming five-match Test tour to Australia later this year, as well as the subsequent Champions Trophy. He believes that these matches will provide him with the opportunity to showcase his skills and cement his place in the team.Gill also mentioned that Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav, the current T20I captain, have quite similar thinking processes regarding their vision for the team. He expressed confidence that their partnership will be successful and that he will have a good understanding with his new opening partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal.Gill also praised Abhishek Nayar, the newly-appointed assistant coach of India, with whom he had previously worked at the Kolkata Knight Riders. He highlighted Nayar's dedication and commitment to helping players improve their skills.

Sri Lanka's young pace sensation, Mathisha Pathirana, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming T20I and ODI series against India, scheduled to commence later this month. The 22-year-old believes that a strong performance in this series could provide a much-needed boost to the island nation's cricket."I think it will be a good challenge. India is coming with a new coach and some new players. Their combination will be slightly different. But it will be a good challenge for us because they are world champions," Pathirana told The Hindu.Pathirana, who has quickly risen through the ranks in the last two years, is confident in his team's abilities. "We have a very good side and a lot of talent. Unfortunately, we didn't do well in the T20 World Cup. But if we can win this series, it will be a confidence-booster for the next three years," he added.The right-arm pacer has made a name for himself with his impressive performances for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2022. Pathirana expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, which has accelerated his career."After my under-19s, I was not in any squad in Sri Lanka. But since my debut for CSK, I got those chances and got selected for Sri Lanka's main team. Playing for CSK is a gift from god for me. Until I played for CSK, not many knew me. Sharing the dressing room with Mahi bhai (M.S. Dhoni) is very special for youngsters like me, especially coming from Sri Lanka," he said.In a short span, Pathirana has become one of the most reliable bowlers in the death overs. However, he is not content with that tag alone. "A lot of people say I am good at the death. But that is not enough for me. I want to be good with the new ball and in the middle overs too. If I can get swing and accuracy with the new ball, it will be good for me and the teams I play for," Pathirana stated.The upcoming series against India will be a crucial test for Pathirana and his Sri Lankan teammates. A strong showing could not only boost their confidence but also provide a much-needed shot in the arm for Sri Lankan cricket.

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.