Cricket

India's newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav will make their debut as a leadership duo against a struggling Sri Lankan side in a series of limited-overs matches. The first game of the three-match T20I series will be held on Saturday in Pallekele.Gambhir, a two-time World Cup winner, takes over the coaching reins from Rahul Dravid. The new coach faces a significant challenge, considering that under Dravid's guidance, the team reached the final in each of the ICC events -- World Test Championship, ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup -- in the respective recent editions.Known for his tenacity and intense approach, Gambhir's coaching style will present a fresh experience for the players. They will also need to adapt to the leadership of their new T20I captain, Suryakumar.The selection of Suryakumar as captain came as a mild surprise, as he was chosen over Hardik Pandya despite his relatively limited captaincy experience. The BCCI selection committee emphasized their preference for a captain who was consistently available for selection and considered "dressing room feedback" when deciding to reset the T20I team's leadership.The Indian selectors have ample time to reconstruct the team for the next T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Following the recent World Cup victory and the retirement of experienced players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is, the team finds itself in a transitional phase.This presents an opportunity for young talents like Shubman Gill, the vice-captain in both white-ball formats, to solidify his position in the team. Other promising players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag, will also aim to establish themselves.Axar Patel seamlessly steps into Jadeja's role in the playing eleven, while India boasts a wealth of all-round options with the presence of Pandya, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar.Jasprit Bumrah has been given a well-deserved rest for this tour, allowing Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj to capitalize on the favorable conditions at the Pallekele International Stadium.Sri Lanka's bowling attack has been weakened by the absence of Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara. The team has brought in Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka as replacements.The island nation, which won the T20 World Cup in 2014, is currently facing challenging times after being eliminated in the first round of the recent edition. In the wake of this disappointment, captain Wanindu Hasaranga, coach Chris Silverwood and consultant coach Mahela Jayawardene all submitted their resignations.Former SL captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the interim coach for Sri Lanka. He has encouraged his team to capitalize on the absence of experienced players in the Indian squad. However, Jayasuriya is well aware that his team is in dire need of consistent and strong performances to turn their fortunes around.The responsibility of leading the team has been given to the promising batsman Charith Asalanka, as Sri Lanka, similar to India, ventures into unfamiliar territory with the aim of improving their cricket.With the advantage of playing on their home turf, Sri Lanka have reason to be optimistic about changing their fortunes, considering the wealth of talent within their squad. This includes the aggressive former captain Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis and the seasoned Dinesh Chandimal.

Team India is gearing up to face Sri Lanka in a white-ball series, commencing with three T20I matches from Saturday. The absence of former skipper Rohit Sharma from the shortest format has sparked discussions about his replacement. While all-rounder Hardik Pandya seemed like a potential candidate, the newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have surprisingly named batter Suryakumar Yadav as the captain for the T20Is against Sri Lanka.The decision has raised questions about star pacer Jasprit Bumrah's exclusion from the captaincy race. Bumrah, who played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, has expressed his views on the matter."I cannot approach the team and demand to be made captain. It's beyond my authority. I believe bowlers are the intelligent ones because we have to dismiss batters. We constantly face challenges due to shorter grounds and superior bats. I can't recall any technology or innovation that significantly enhances ball swing. People enjoy watching the ball being hit around and sixes being scored," Bumrah stated at the Indian Express Adda."Bowlers are doing the difficult work. They're not hiding behind a bat or a flat wicket. When a game is lost, bowlers are blamed. It's a demanding task. I take great pride in it. You face numerous obstacles. Bowlers develop innovative strategies to succeed because of these challenges. Facing adversity makes you more courageous, and leadership requires courage. We've seen Pat Cummins excel. I've witnessed Wasim Akram lead. Kapil Dev and Imran Khan have won World Cups. Bowlers are the intelligent ones. Sometimes, it's physically demanding, which is why batters often assume leadership roles. In my opinion, bowlers are the smart ones," he added.Traditionally, bowlers have not been considered for team captaincy. However, Bumrah cited the example of Australia's skipper Pat Cummins, who led his team to ODI World Cup and World Test Championship titles."Perception shifts with results. I faced the perception that my bowling action wouldn't work, but now people try to imitate it. You don't need to say anything; let your results speak for themselves. Pat Cummins is a prime example. I've achieved many positive outcomes. He won the World Cup and WTC. I don't believe it's a burden. When you play cricket, you want responsibility," said Bumrah."You don't want to hide and be a backbencher. You must have the mindset that if you give me the ball, I will make a difference. I believe there is no greater feeling than having responsibility. Injuries can happen to anyone," he added.

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.

As the Indian cricket team embarks on a new era under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir, former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has hailed the appointment as a significant turning point. During an event hosted by Sony Sports Network, Ojha emphasized the importance of this change, stating that it marks the beginning of a new chapter for Team India.Gambhir, who took over the reins from Rahul Dravid after India's triumph in the T20 World Cup, is set to make his debut as head coach on the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. His tenure has already witnessed notable changes, including the appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain, replacing Hardik Pandya.The tour, scheduled to commence on July 27, will feature a three-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series starting on August 2. Ojha expressed his support for the decision to include senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODI squad, despite earlier speculations that they would be rested."To call senior players for the ODI series is a good decision. You have to serve the nation, and every coach wants a good result from his starting tenure," he said.Ojha also praised the newly appointed T20I skipper, Suryakumar Yadav. "I am impressed with Suryakumar Yadav. He is one of the good players, and now it has to be seen how he leads the Indian side," Ojha remarked.The BCCI's recent directive requiring senior players to participate in Ranji Trophy matches has been met with mixed reactions. Ojha commented on this decision, saying, "It's so sad that the BCCI had to tell them to play Ranji, but you are whatever today; it's all because of Ranji games."As the Gambhir era unfolds, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the fresh strategies and dynamics that will emerge, setting the stage for an exciting series in Sri Lanka.

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.

The upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka presents a challenging selection dilemma for Team India's new head coach, Gautam Gambhir. The choice between wicketkeeper-batters Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson has become a crucial decision, as both players possess exceptional skills and a desire to prove their worth.Pant, a seasoned campaigner with 74 T20I appearances, has established himself as a formidable force in the shortest format. His aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary with ease have made him a valuable asset to the Indian team. In the recent T20 World Cup, Pant finished as India's third-highest run-scorer, amassing 171 runs at a strike rate of 126.67.Samson, on the other hand, has played 28 T20Is, scoring 633 runs at a strike rate of 133.14. Despite making his debut in 2015, Samson has only played 27 of those matches since 2020. His inconsistent selection has hindered his ability to establish himself as a regular member of the Indian team.Statistically, there is little to separate the two players. Pant holds a slight edge in terms of average (22.70 vs. 21.14) and strike rate (126.67 vs. 133.14). However, Samson has a higher number of fifties (3 vs. 2) and has displayed an impressive ability to hit boundaries against the fastest bowlers.The decision between Pant and Samson will ultimately depend on the team management's assessment of their current form and suitability for the role. Pant's experience and recent performances may give him the edge, but Samson's potential and ability to play match-winning innings cannot be ignored.

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.

India's T20I Captaincy: Hardik Pandya's Gesture Eases Concerns Over Leadership DynamicsAs India's captaincy in the shortest format remains a topic of discussion, the relationship between Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya has come under scrutiny. However, a recent gesture by Pandya has allayed concerns over any potential rift within the team.Before the T20I captaincy was handed over to Yadav, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Pandya had been consulted. Despite this, questions lingered about the leadership dynamics in the team.However, Pandya's warm embrace of Yadav as they departed for Sri Lanka for a white-ball series has put such talks to rest. The video shared by the BCCI captured the moment, showcasing a genuine bond between the two players.Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media at a joint press conference, explaining the rationale behind Yadav's appointment as captain. Agarkar emphasized Yadav's cricketing acumen, consistency as a T20 batter, and proven fitness record."We wanted a captain who's going to be more likely to play all the games," Agarkar said. "We think he's a deserving candidate and hopefully we'll see over time how he develops into the role."Agarkar also confirmed that Pandya remains a crucial part of the Indian team in the white-ball circuit. "He's still a very important player for us," Agarkar said. "We're trying to now, we've got a bit more time till the next T20 World Cup when we can look at a few things."Pandya's fitness has been a concern in the past, and Agarkar acknowledged this factor in the decision-making process. "The fitness is a clear challenge and we want someone who's likely to be available more often than not," Agarkar said.The gesture between Pandya and Yadav suggests that the leadership transition has been handled smoothly and that the team remains united under Yadav's captaincy. As India prepares for the upcoming white-ball series in Sri Lanka, the focus will be on Yadav's performance as captain and the team's overall performance under his leadership.