Cricket

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, commenced his tenure on Tuesday as the team initiated their first practice session in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. The session marked the beginning of preparations for the upcoming three-match T20I series against the host nation.Gambhir, who succeeded the esteemed Rahul Dravid, led the team onto the field and oversaw the training session. The session encompassed fielding drills, running exercises, and one-on-one interactions with the players. Suryakumar Yadav, the newly appointed T20I captain, also actively engaged with the team members.During the session, Gambhir was observed providing batting guidance to Sanju Samson and engaging in discussions with all-rounder Shivam Dube. Gambhir's coaching staff for the Sri Lanka tour includes former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and Dutch batter Ryan ten Doeschate. The trio recently collaborated to guide the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in the IPL 2024.Their maiden assignment with the national team will commence on July 27 with the T20I series, followed by three ODIs. T Dilip, who was part of Dravid's support staff, will continue as the fielding coach. Sairaj Bahutule, affiliated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, will serve as the interim bowling coach.Gambhir's appointment as head coach has generated significant anticipation among fans and experts alike. His proven track record as a successful player and his recent coaching success with KKR have raised expectations for the Indian team's performance under his leadership.The upcoming series against Sri Lanka will provide an early indication of Gambhir's coaching philosophy and the team's progress under his guidance. The series will also serve as a crucial preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup later this year.

The Indian men's cricket team, led by newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, embarked on their tour of Sri Lanka with a warm welcome in Pallekele. The team, comprising 15 members and support staff, arrived via Colombo after a pre-departure press conference in Mumbai.India will engage in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, who are yet to announce their squad. The first T20I will be played on July 27, followed by matches on July 28 and 30. The team will then proceed to Colombo for three One-day Internationals scheduled for August 2, 4, and 7.The Suryakumar-led side features several young players, including vice-captain Shubman Gill. However, it lacks the experience of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, who retired from T20Is after India's triumph in the T20 World Cup.Suryakumar's appointment as T20 captain over Hardik Pandya was based on his fitness and feedback from the dressing room. The team also boasts experienced players such as Sanju Samson, Pandya, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh.Gambhir, who took over from Rahul Dravid as national coach, expressed his excitement about the tour. "We are looking forward to the challenge of playing in Sri Lanka," he said. "We have a young and talented team, and we are confident that we can perform well."Yadav, the newly appointed captain, echoed Gambhir's sentiments. "It is an honor to lead the Indian team," he said. "We have a great team, and we are ready to give our best."The Indian team's arrival in Sri Lanka has generated significant buzz among fans. The players were greeted with enthusiasm and warmth, and they took the opportunity to interact with their supporters.

Team India embarked on their journey to Sri Lanka on Monday for the upcoming white-ball series, commencing on July 27. The tour features three T20Is and three ODIs, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the T20I squad and Rohit Sharma captaining the ODI team.The appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain in both formats raised eyebrows, as many expected Hardik Pandya to assume the role. However, chairman of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar explained the decision, citing Gill's all-format capabilities and leadership qualities."Shubman is a three-format player who has shown quality over the last year or so," Agarkar said. "We want someone who can learn from senior players like Surya and Rohit, so we don't face challenges in finding a captain in case of injuries or loss of form."The series marks the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who were overlooked in recent series. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant also made the squad, despite his recent injury layoff.Agarkar emphasized that the door remains open for former deputies like Rahul, Pant, and Pandya to assume leadership roles in the future. "We need to get Pant playing again," he said. "KL has not been part of T20s for a while, so we'll see what he can do."The Indian team will be eager to perform well in Sri Lanka, as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. The series will provide valuable experience and help the team fine-tune their strategies.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized his strong relationship with BCCI secretary Jay Shah, dismissing speculations of any discord. During a press conference before the team's departure for Sri Lanka, Gambhir stated, "I have a fabulous relationship with him. Jay Shah and I go a long way back. All these speculations about different things are given on different pages. I think we can do a better job by clarifying those things rather than putting it in the press."Gambhir stressed that the team's welfare takes precedence over individual interests. "The betterment of Indian cricket is more important. Gambhir is not important. All of us have hearts in the right place. If we all think that Indian cricket has to move forward, we will be on the same page. So far, I have had a great working relationship with him, hopefully, it will continue in the future as well," he said.The Indian team left for Sri Lanka on Monday for a three-match T20I and ODI series. The T20Is will be held on July 27, 28, and 30 at the Pallekele International Stadium, while the ODIs will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium from August 1.The T20I squad includes Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mohd. Siraj.The ODI squad comprises Rohit Sharma (C), Suhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, and Harshit Rana.

Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as the captain of the Indian T20 team for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which will feature three T20 Internationals and three ODIs starting on July 27. The decision was made based on Yadav's fitness, consistent availability, and positive feedback from the dressing room, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar.Agarkar emphasized the importance of having a captain who can participate in all games, especially considering the team's recent struggles with injuries. Yadav's fitness and reliability made him the ideal choice, as he is one of the most consistent T20 batters in the world."He is one of the best T20 batters, and as captain, he is likely to play all the games," Agarkar explained. "We think he is a deserving captain and we will see how he fits into the role."The decision to appoint Yadav over Hardik Pandya was also influenced by Pandya's ongoing fitness concerns. While Pandya possesses unique skills, his availability has been limited due to injuries."Hardik's skill-sets are difficult to find, and fitness is difficult to find," Agarkar said. "We have got a bit more time, and we can look at a few things."Agarkar also revealed that feedback from the dressing room played a role in the decision-making process. The team's overall sentiment was considered, indicating that Yadav has the support of his teammates.The T20 series against Sri Lanka will provide Yadav with an opportunity to prove his leadership abilities. He will lead a 15-member squad that includes several experienced players, such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Dinesh Karthik.Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20 internationals after leading India to the World Cup triumph in the West Indies, will return as the skipper of the one-day international team. The ODIs will be held on August 2, 4, and 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Rohit Sharma Confirms Availability for Sri Lanka ODI Series, Joins Kohli in SquadIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed his availability for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, putting an end to speculation that he might skip the tour. Sharma, who recently retired from T20 Internationals, will join former captain Virat Kohli in the 15-man squad for the three-match series.Following India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Sharma announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game. Kohli had also retired from T20Is after the tournament. The ODI series against Sri Lanka will mark their return to the 50-over format.With only six ODIs remaining before next year's Champions Trophy, the series is crucial for both Sharma and Kohli. It will provide them with an opportunity to fine-tune their skills and help new coach Gautam Gambhir assess tactical combinations.Sharma's confirmation of his availability is a significant boost for the Indian team. The veteran opener is one of the most experienced and successful batters in the world, and his presence will add stability to the top order.Kohli, who has been in excellent form in recent months, will also be eager to make a mark in the ODI series. The former captain is India's all-time leading run-scorer in the format and will be looking to add to his tally.The ODI series against Sri Lanka will be played from July 18 to 23. The first match will be held in Colombo, followed by the second and third matches in Pallekele.

Star Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav is gearing up for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which commences on July 27. In preparation for the series, Yadav has been diligently practicing and shared a glimpse of his training regimen on Instagram. The 33-year-old posted a video of himself running on the field, showcasing his dedication to the sport.Yadav has been appointed as the captain of India's T20I team for the Sri Lanka tour, with Shubman Gill serving as the vice-captain for both the T20I and ODI sides. This decision marks a shift in leadership, as Hardik Pandya, who previously led the T20I team, has been removed from the role.Pandya's removal comes despite his impressive performance in the recent T20 World Cup, where he scored 144 runs and took 11 wickets. However, Yadav has also proven his leadership capabilities, having led India to five victories in seven matches during his previous stints as captain.India's tour of Sri Lanka will feature a three-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series. The T20I leg will be played at the Pallekele International Stadium, while the ODI matches will be held at the R Premadasa Stadium.Both teams will be led by new head coaches. Sanath Jayasuriya has been named as the interim head coach for Sri Lanka, while Gautam Gambhir will take over as India's head coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid.India's last bilateral white-ball series in Sri Lanka was in July 2021, where they won the ODI series 2-1 and lost the T20I series by the same margin. The upcoming tour will provide both teams with an opportunity to test their skills and prepare for future challenges.

India's squad announcements for the Sri Lanka tour have raised several questions beyond the headlines of Suryakumar Yadav's T20I captaincy and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI participation.Ravindra Jadeja's Status:Despite his T20I retirement, Jadeja remains India's primary spin-bowling allrounder in ODIs. He has been rested for the Sri Lanka series to give Axar Patel an opportunity and preserve Jadeja for the upcoming Test matches.Mohammed Shami's Return:Shami is recovering from Achilles surgery and is expected to return for the home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. He could be considered for the 2025 Champions Trophy if he remains fit.Kuldeep Yadav's T20I Break:Kuldeep has been rested from T20Is to give Ravi Bishnoi more experience. He remains India's frontline spinner in that format.Yuzvendra Chahal's Future:Chahal is still considered a backup spinner, but his limited utility as a bowler only may hinder his chances of regular selection.Hardik Pandya's ODI Absence:Pandya has requested a break from ODIs due to concerns over his bowling workload. The selectors are focusing on developing other seam-bowling allrounders in his absence.KL Rahul's All-Format Status:Rahul remains a key player in Tests and ODIs, despite his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad. He is expected to return as a wicketkeeper in the ODI series against Sri Lanka.Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan's Injuries:Mayank Yadav has suffered a side injury and a separate injury while bowling at the NCA. Mohsin Khan has a lower-back injury. Both players are expected to prove their fitness in domestic cricket before being considered for international selection.Tilak Varma's Absence:Varma has missed out on the T20I squad due to a hand injury. He is expected to return to action once he recovers.

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