Cricket

Indian cricket is poised for a transformative chapter as it embarks on a three-match T20I series against hosts Sri Lanka on Saturday. This series marks the dawn of a new era under head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav.Gambhir, who recently succeeded Rahul Dravid following India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, has swiftly implemented significant changes to the team. One of the most notable decisions was appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain, replacing Hardik Pandya. This choice sparked considerable debate, but as the series opener approaches, the focus shifts to the present and future.Suryakumar Yadav, renowned for his aggressive batting style and innovative shots, shared insights into his relationship with Gambhir, describing it as both special and strong. "This relationship is very special. When I joined KKR in 2014, I played under him. It was special because I got the opportunity to play for the franchise and... As they say, if you take three steps, he takes two steps, and somewhere in the middle, we meet. That's the kind of relationship we had. And even now, the relationship remains the same, strong," Suryakumar said in a video released by BCCI on its social media handle.Reflecting on their past experiences at Kolkata Knight Riders, Suryakumar emphasized the mutual understanding and support that has defined their relationship. He is optimistic about how this dynamic will translate into their new roles within the Indian team."But he knows how I work. What my mindset is when I come to practice sessions. How he tries to work as a coach. And it's all about that lovely relationship we have and very excited to see how it goes forward," Suryakumar concluded.As India prepares for the series against Sri Lanka, the team's strategy and performance under the new leadership will be closely scrutinized. Gambhir's tenure as head coach and Suryakumar's captaincy promise a fresh approach, aiming to build on India's recent successes and take the team to new heights.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain for the Sri Lanka T20Is raised eyebrows, as many expected Hardik Pandya to take over the role. However, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Hardik's injury concerns and workload management prompted the board to look beyond him.Agarkar also highlighted Suryakumar's leadership abilities and positive feedback from players as factors in his appointment. Former India cricketer Pragyan Ojha believes the selectors considered Suryakumar's maturity and experience, especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup in mind.Ojha also pointed out the connection between Suryakumar and newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, who played together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He believes their understanding and trust played a role in Suryakumar's selection.While Hardik's fitness issues were a concern, Ojha praised Suryakumar's street-smartness and ability to handle pressure. He believes Suryakumar is the best choice for the captaincy role, given his experience and leadership qualities.The decision to appoint Suryakumar as captain has sparked discussions about the future of Hardik Pandya in the T20I setup. However, the BCCI has made it clear that Hardik remains an integral part of the team and will continue to play a key role in the future.

Suryakumar Yadav, the enigmatic T20 batter, has been appointed as the new captain of India's T20I team, marking a significant shift in leadership following the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the format. This decision, made under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, has sparked considerable discussion and analysis.Initially, Hardik Pandya, who served as vice-captain during India's T20 World Cup triumph, was considered the frontrunner for the captaincy. However, concerns over his fitness led the team management to opt for Suryakumar, widely regarded as the most consistent and impactful T20 batter in the lineup.The idea of promoting Suryakumar to captaincy was first considered during outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid's tenure, according to former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey. The new management, led by Gambhir, decided to implement this vision when the opportunity presented itself."We felt that here's a guy who's gonna have a long future in the T20 format. He has mastered that skill. One of the best in this format. He and Klaasen are maybe one or two in T20Is now based on their current form. Just the pure impact he has on winning games for India is phenomenal," Mhambrey told Hindustan Times.Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized the importance of inputs from within the dressing room in making this decision. Mhambrey also pointed to Suryakumar's positive relationship with team members, particularly the younger players."He's been with the team. I've seen him interact with the young guys. On one hand, we had Rohit and Virat, guys who are stalwarts, and then we have Surya, who is experienced but probably even closer to the youngsters. He is very friendly with everyone. He has that respect from the younger lot. The youngsters need to interact with him, he's good at it. So, he has a good bond with everyone in the team," Mhambrey said.At 33, Suryakumar Yadav still has several years ahead in his cricketing career, potentially leading India in the next two T20 World Cups."He has a lot of cricket left in him. He has a good four-five years of cricket left in him. With all this, I think he is a great choice," Mhambrey added.This decision marks a pivotal moment in India's T20 cricket as it transitions to new leadership under a new coach and a captain who has shown remarkable talent and rapport within the team.

With India embarking on a new era in T20 cricket, the appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as captain for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka has generated immense anticipation. Former India fielding coach R Sridhar, who witnessed Suryakumar's T20I debut in 2021, believes the batsman possesses the qualities to lead by example.Sridhar highlights Suryakumar's maturity and composure, noting that he has evolved from the aggressive and upbeat player he was in his early days. He believes that Suryakumar's ability to remain calm under pressure and think strategically will serve him well as captain.Sridhar emphasizes that captaincy extends beyond on-field leadership, requiring the ability to maintain a positive team environment off the field. He commends Suryakumar's communication skills and his focus on ensuring the well-being of all squad members.Sridhar also acknowledges Suryakumar's previous experience as captain of Mumbai in domestic cricket. While his initial stint was marked by challenges, he has since matured and led Mumbai to success in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Sridhar believes Suryakumar has the potential to lead India effectively, but stresses the importance of selecting the right playing eleven and communicating clearly. He notes that Suryakumar's experience playing under Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as well as his vice-captaincy under Gautam Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders, will be invaluable.The India vs. Sri Lanka series marks a new chapter in Indian cricket, with both teams featuring new captains and coaches. Sridhar believes this series will lay the foundation for the team's future in the T20 format, providing a platform for young players to establish themselves and develop a distinct playing style.

Hardik Pandya's captaincy woes have continued since his appointment as Mumbai Indians skipper in 2024. Despite being touted as a potential T20 captain for India, Pandya has faced setbacks and criticism.After a disappointing IPL season, where he was booed by fans, Pandya was overlooked for the T20 captaincy in favor of Rohit Sharma. Post the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he served as vice-captain, Pandya was again expected to take over the reins. However, Suryakumar Yadav was surprisingly named T20I skipper for the Sri Lanka Tour.BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar attributed the decision to Pandya's injury concerns. However, former Sri Lankan player Russell Arnold believes there may be more to the story."Hardik couldn't really gain the respect of everyone around him," Arnold told Sports Tak. "It's about getting everyone to gel and keeping everyone calm and happy so that you can pull in the one direction."Arnold suggests that Pandya's inability to command respect within the team may have influenced the BCCI's decision. He also highlights the impressive form of Suryakumar Yadav, who is considered one of the best T20 batters in the world."It's a great opportunity for Suryakumar to showcase what he can do and make it his own," Arnold added.Pandya's captaincy struggles have raised questions about his leadership abilities. While he is an exceptional player, his inability to inspire and unite his team has been a concern. The BCCI's decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as T20I skipper is a clear indication that they are looking for a different direction.It remains to be seen whether Pandya can regain the trust of the BCCI and the Indian cricket team. His injury concerns and leadership challenges will need to be addressed if he wants to fulfill his potential as a captain.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, commenced his tenure with the team's first practice session in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, ahead of the upcoming T20I series against the hosts. The Indian contingent arrived in Colombo on Monday and subsequently traveled to Pallekele for the three-match T20I series, which will be followed by as many ODIs in Colombo.Following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the T20I format, Suryakumar Yadav has been entrusted with the captaincy for the series. Rohit will rejoin the team for the ODIs, along with Virat Kohli, who also announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game.During the practice session, Gambhir was observed closely monitoring the players and providing valuable batting advice to wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. The BCCI shared a video of the session on their official Twitter account, highlighting Gambhir's active involvement in the team's preparations.Prior to the team's departure for Sri Lanka, Gambhir addressed his first press conference alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar explained the rationale behind appointing Suryakumar as the T20I captain over all-rounder Hardik Pandya."Suryakumar is one of the deserving candidates. He is one of the best T20 batters in the world. We wanted a captain who was likely to play all the games. We will see how he will do," Agarkar stated.Regarding Hardik Pandya, Agarkar emphasized his continued importance to the team. "As far as Hardik is concerned, he is still a very important player. And that's what we want him to be. Fitness has been a challenge for him over the last few years...Then it becomes difficult for the coach or selectors. I think Surya has the necessary qualities to succeed as a captain," he added.The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played in Pallekele on Saturday.

Former Indian opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has expressed his displeasure over the reasons given by India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar for not appointing Hardik Pandya as the T20I captain. Agarkar had cited Pandya's injury history and uncertain availability as the primary reasons for overlooking him for the captaincy role.Srikkanth, however, believes that fitness should not have been a factor in the decision-making process. He pointed out that Pandya played the entire IPL season and bowled regularly, despite Mumbai Indians' failure to qualify for the playoffs. He also highlighted Pandya's performance as vice-captain during India's T20 World Cup triumph last month."Fitness is something that I will not agree with," Srikkanth said. "He played the entire IPL. He also bowled. Yes, he might not have done well (in the IPL). That's another issue. Mumbai Indians didn't qualify. At the World Cup, he was the vice-captain and he played well."Srikkanth also criticized the selectors for not being transparent about their decision. He believes they should have clearly stated that they were dropping Pandya as captain and moving forward with Suryakumar Yadav as a long-term option."The reasons that they are giving they could have said it in a straightforward manner 'we are dropping Hardik Pandya as captain, we want to move forward. We are looking at Suryakumar as a long term'. Make it clear. Say it without fear," he added.Agarkar, on the other hand, maintained that fitness was a major concern for the selectors. He explained that they wanted someone who was likely to be available more consistently."Fitness has been something that he's struggled with," Agarkar said. "As selectors, it becomes difficult then. The thought behind it was that we want someone who is likely to be available more."Agarkar also praised Suryakumar's fitness level and positive feedback from the team management as key factors in his selection as captain."Why Surya was made captain? Because he is one of the deserving candidates. The one we know has been around the dressing room over the last one year, you get feedback from the dressing room a lot. He has got a good cricketing brain and he is still one of the best T20 batters in the world," he said.

Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh's Social Media Banter Reminds Fans of Viral IPL MomentIndian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and batter Rinku Singh have engaged in a humorous exchange on social media, reminiscent of a viral video from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.In the IPL video, Rinku was seen requesting a bat from then-Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli. The incident became a viral sensation, with fans amused by Rinku's bold request.Now, on the eve of India's tour of Sri Lanka, Suryakumar has reignited the banter by posting an image of himself talking to Rinku on Instagram. Below the image, he wrote: "Theek hai bat le lena" (Okay, take the bat).Rinku promptly reposted the story and added: "De do bhaiya bat" (Give me the bat, brother).The exchange has delighted fans, who have flooded the comments section with laughing emojis and references to the original IPL video.Suryakumar's appointment as T20I captain comes after he pipped Hardik Pandya for the role. He will lead India in a three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka, followed by an ODI series captained by Rohit Sharma.The tour marks the first assignment for Gautam Gambhir as India's new chief coach after taking over from Rahul Dravid following the T20 World Cup.

Hardik Pandya's leadership role in India's T20I team has been revoked, with Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach, opting for Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. This decision has raised eyebrows, given Pandya's successful stint as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.Ashish Nehra, who coached Pandya at Gujarat Titans, expressed no surprise at the move. He believes that Gambhir has a different vision for the team and that Pandya does not fit into his plans as captain or vice-captain."Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir's) ideas are toward that direction," Nehra said.Nehra also agreed with the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, that Pandya's fitness was a factor in the decision. Pandya has been playing limited overs cricket and is not a regular in the Test team."Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings in a different balance to the side," Nehra said.Nehra also praised the appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain, but acknowledged that he is still a "work in progress" as a leader."They have made Shubman Gill in not just one format, but in all three formats. That means you are looking ahead," Nehra said."Shubman Gill is a work in progress. He is 24-25 years old now. He will get better as we go ahead. He has the desire to play all 3 formats, he has the heart to learn," he added.