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.

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.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener, is set to embark on his maiden coaching assignment with the Indian cricket team during their upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Gambhir's appointment as head coach follows the successful tenure of Rahul Dravid, who stepped down after India's triumph at the T20 World Cup in Barbados.Brett Lee, the legendary Australian pacer, has expressed his confidence in Gambhir's ability to lead the Indian team to success. Lee believes that Gambhir's aggressive and winning mindset, which he displayed during his playing days, will translate into positive results for the team."He's done a terrific job every time he's had an opportunity," Lee said of Gambhir. "The Indian Premier League title with KKR is the best example. He's always been there, always at the top of his game. He finds a way to unite his players and graft his team together. He builds a solid structure."Lee also praised Dravid for his successful stint as head coach, saying, "Congratulations to Rahul for finishing on a high."Regarding India's performance at the T20 World Cup, Lee commended Rohit Sharma's leadership. "Big, big congratulations to India," Lee said. "They looked like a strong side, to be very honest. Massive congratulations to Rohit Sharma and the Indian team. He led from the front in the tournament."India will face Sri Lanka in three T20Is and as many ODIs, starting July 26. Rohit and Virat Kohli are likely to be rested for the tour, providing an opportunity for younger players to showcase their skills.

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's talismanic all-rounder, has made a triumphant return to the Test squad after a year-long absence. He has been included in the team for the second Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to commence on March 30 in Chattogram.Shakib's last Test appearance was in April 2023 against Ireland. An eye condition subsequently sidelined him from the longest format, although he has remained active in white-ball cricket. His return to the Test arena is a significant boost for Bangladesh, who are seeking to level the series after losing the first Test by a hefty margin.To accommodate Shakib, Towhid Hridoy has been omitted from the squad. Hridoy failed to make the playing XI for the first Test. Another change sees pace bowler Hasan Mahmud replace the injured Musfik Hasan. Mahmud, who has yet to make his Test debut, has featured in 39 white-ball internationals.Shakib's inclusion brings a wealth of experience to the Bangladesh Test side. He has played 66 Tests, amassing over 4000 runs and claiming 235 wickets. His last international outing was the ODI World Cup in India in late 2023. Since then, he has participated in the Bangladesh Premier League and the Dhaka Premier Division League.The eye condition that kept Shakib out of the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka has now subsided. He is fully fit and eager to contribute to Bangladesh's Test fortunes.