Cricket

India's tour of Sri Lanka in late July and early August will mark a significant milestone for both teams as they embark on a new era under their respective head coaches. The series will comprise three T20Is and as many ODIs, providing an opportunity for both sides to assess their progress and prepare for upcoming challenges.The tour will commence with back-to-back T20Is on July 26 and 27 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The action will then shift to the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for the ODI series, which will begin on August 1. Each ODI will be separated by a two-day gap.For India, this series will be the first assignment under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir, a former India opener, will be tasked with continuing the team's success following their triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024 under Rahul Dravid.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be guided by interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Jayasuriya, a legendary all-rounder, will be aiming to revive Sri Lanka's fortunes after their disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup.India's last tour of Sri Lanka in July 2021 saw them emerge victorious in the ODI series (2-1) while Sri Lanka claimed the T20Is by the same margin. This time around, both teams will be eager to prove their mettle and establish themselves as contenders in the international arena.The T20I series will be India's second since their T20 World Cup triumph, following their ongoing tour of Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from their early exit from the T20 World Cup and showcase their talent in front of their home crowd.With a mix of experienced and emerging players in both squads, the India-Sri Lanka series promises to be an exciting and competitive affair. The matches will provide valuable insights into the teams' strengths and weaknesses as they prepare for future challenges, including the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2026.

Sanath Jayasuriya, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, has been appointed as the interim head coach of the national team for the upcoming limited-overs series against India and the Test tour of England. This decision marks a significant development in Sri Lankan cricket, as Jayasuriya has not previously held a high-profile coaching position.Jayasuriya's appointment comes in the wake of Chris Silverwood's resignation as head coach in June. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board had initially indicated that they would advertise for the role and consider both local and international candidates. However, they have now opted for Jayasuriya, who has been serving as the team's cricket consultant since 2021.SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva expressed confidence in Jayasuriya's ability to guide the team, stating that his "wealth of international cricketing experience" makes him well-suited for the role. Jayasuriya was an integral part of Sri Lanka's golden era in the 1990s and early 2000s, helping them win the 1996 World Cup and establish themselves as a formidable force in world cricket.As a player, Jayasuriya was renowned for his aggressive batting style and ability to change the course of a match with his explosive innings. He is the fifth-highest ODI run-scorer of all time, with over 13,000 runs, and also has 323 ODI wickets to his name. His all-round abilities made him one of the most feared cricketers of his generation.Jayasuriya's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his lack of coaching experience, while others have welcomed his return to the national team setup. However, there is no doubt that Jayasuriya's passion for Sri Lankan cricket and his vast knowledge of the game will be invaluable to the team.The upcoming series against India and the tour of England will be a major test for Jayasuriya and the Sri Lankan team. India is a formidable opponent in all formats, while England is one of the strongest Test teams in the world. Jayasuriya will need to use all his experience and leadership skills to guide the team to success.