Cricket

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.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has been appointed as the head coach of Team India, succeeding Rahul Dravid. Gambhir expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the legacy of his predecessors. He emphasized the importance of creating a positive and supportive dressing room environment.Gambhir will be assisted by Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate. He praised their professionalism and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to the team's success.The new head coach will face the challenge of managing a star-studded dressing room, including captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli. Gambhir emphasized his strong relationship with Kohli and their shared commitment to the team's success.Gambhir outlined the team's upcoming schedule, including the Champions Trophy, Australia series, and the 2027 World Cup. He expressed his belief in the team's potential and his determination to make India proud.Gambhir's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his experience as a coach, while others have praised his leadership qualities and his understanding of the game.Despite the challenges, Gambhir is confident in his ability to lead Team India to success. He believes in the team's talent and is eager to create a winning environment.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar held a press conference ahead of the team's departure to Sri Lanka for a white-ball series. Here are the key takeaways:Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI Future:Gambhir did not rule out the possibility of selecting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, but emphasized the importance of fitness. He stated that both players could be part of the side if they maintain their fitness levels.Suryakumar Yadav's T20I Captaincy and ODI Future:Agarkar confirmed that Hardik Pandya's fitness issues led to Suryakumar Yadav being appointed as T20I captain. However, Yadav is not currently in the ODI squad due to competition from Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer.Ravindra Jadeja's Absence From Sri Lanka ODIs:Agarkar clarified that Jadeja was not dropped from the team but rested due to the upcoming Test schedule.Shubman Gill As Vice-Captain:Gill has been elevated as vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is, reflecting the BCCI's long-term plans for him as a player in all three formats.Hardik Pandya's Fitness:Agarkar admitted that Pandya's fitness is a concern for the selectors. With Pandya no longer captain, the team management hopes to manage his workload and skillset better.Mohammed Shami's Return:Agarkar revealed that Shami has resumed bowling in the nets and could be available for the Bangladesh Test series.Relationship With Virat Kohli:Gambhir dismissed rumors of a rift with Kohli, stating that they are both committed to representing India. He declined to comment on their personal relationship.

India's newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has addressed the much-discussed relationship between himself and batting mainstay Virat Kohli, stating that it is a private matter. Gambhir and Kohli have had a history of confrontations in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but they will now be working together for the upcoming T20 and ODI tour of Sri Lanka."My relationship with Virat Kohli is between the two of us and not for TRPs," Gambhir said. He added that they have had "lots of discussions" and that "everyone has the right fight for their jersey."With the departure of Rohit Sharma and Kohli from the T20 International scene, workload management of players like Jasprit Bumrah becomes crucial. Gambhir emphasized the importance of managing Bumrah's workload, especially since Sharma and Kohli will now only play two formats."Workload for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important," Gambhir said. "Now that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play only two formats, I expect them to be available for most games."Gambhir also discussed the team's preparations for the Sri Lanka tour, highlighting the need for adaptability and flexibility. He believes that the team has the potential to perform well, but they must be prepared for the challenges ahead."We have a good team, but we need to be adaptable and flexible," Gambhir said. "We need to be able to play in different conditions and against different teams. We have the potential to do well, but we need to be prepared for the challenges ahead."

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of Team India, has outlined his vision for Indian cricket, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the team's success over personal agendas. In his inaugural press conference alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Gambhir stressed the need for transparency and direct communication to address any speculation regarding his appointment and the team's direction.Gambhir acknowledged the accomplishments of his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, and highlighted his intent to continue the team's legacy of achieving significant milestones. He stated, "I am taking over a very, very successful team. T20 World champions, runners-up in the WTC and ODI World Cup. The betterment of Gautam Gambhir is not important; Indian cricket is."Agarkar provided insights into the recent selection decisions, explaining the rationale behind appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain over Hardik Pandya. He emphasized the importance of having a captain who can consistently participate in all games, citing Pandya's fitness challenges.Agarkar also addressed the exclusion of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the Sri Lanka series, clarifying that Jadeja was rested, not dropped. He pointed out the strategic reasons for this decision, stating that it was pointless to take both Axar Patel and Jadeja in the same short series.Gambhir and Agarkar's remarks underscore a clear vision centered on strategic planning, transparency, and maintaining the high standards set by the team's recent successes. Moving forward, the focus is on the collective objective of enhancing Indian cricket, addressing challenges with clear communication, and making informed decisions for the future.

Ravindra Jadeja's absence from India's squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka series has sparked speculation about his future in the team. However, ESPNCricinfo reports that Jadeja has been rested, not dropped.The decision to rest Jadeja is part of a strategic move by the selectors and new head coach Gautam Gambhir. They aim to test Axar Patel's ability to replicate his T20I performance in ODIs and keep Jadeja fresh for the ten Test matches scheduled from September 2023 to January 2024.Jadeja's absence also reflects the importance of managing player workloads. Ensuring top performers like Jadeja are in peak condition for crucial upcoming fixtures highlights the necessity of resting certain players.As Team India embarks on this new phase under Gambhir's leadership, the focus remains on both immediate and long-term goals. The decision-making process appears to be well thought out to address current needs while planning for future challenges.

Former Indian leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule has been appointed as Team India's bowling coach for the upcoming six-match white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Bahutule, who has served as a bowling coach at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for the past three years, will join the Indian team in Colombo on Monday.Bahutule, who played two Tests and eight ODIs for India between 1997 and 2003, has a wealth of experience in domestic cricket. He has played 188 first-class matches, taking 630 wickets at an average of 26.00 and scoring 6176 runs at an average of 31.83.Bahutule's appointment is seen as a positive move for India's young spinners. He has a proven track record of working with young players and has been credited with helping to develop some of India's most promising spinners, including Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, and Washington Sundar.Bahutule's presence in the Indian team is expected to be particularly beneficial for the team's spinners in the T20I series. India's spin attack in the T20Is will be led by Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, and Washington Sundar, all of whom have worked with Bahutule in the past.Bahutule's appointment is also seen as a sign of the BCCI's commitment to developing young players. The BCCI has been criticized in the past for not giving enough opportunities to young players, but the appointment of Bahutule suggests that the board is now taking a more proactive approach to player development.Bahutule's appointment is a temporary one, as the BCCI is still in the process of finalizing a permanent bowling coach for the Indian team. However, Bahutule's experience and expertise make him a valuable addition to the Indian team for the Sri Lanka series.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian batter renowned for his aggressive leadership and tactical acumen, has been appointed as the new head coach of Team India. This marks a new era for the Indian cricket team, which recently triumphed at the T20 World Cup 2024 under the guidance of Rahul Dravid.Gambhir's appointment has been met with anticipation and excitement. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has praised Gambhir's leadership qualities, stating that he is a "complete players' man" who will protect his players and bring a "clever tactical angle" to the team.Gambhir's coaching tenure will commence with an upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav has been named as the skipper for the T20Is, while Rohit Sharma will lead the team in the ODIs. Notably, young batter Shubman Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain for both series.Gambhir's coaching credentials include two IPL trophies as a player with Kolkata Knight Riders and a successful stint as a mentor for the same franchise in 2024. His experience and tactical nous are expected to guide Team India towards continued success.The Sri Lanka series will provide an early glimpse of Gambhir's coaching philosophy and the team's performance under his leadership. The T20Is will begin on July 27, followed by the ODIs.

The T20 World Cup 2024 was a watershed moment for the Indian cricket team, marking the end of an 11-year ICC title drought. Despite facing adversity in the final against South Africa, India's resilience and determination shone through.After Axar Patel's costly 15th over, South Africa needed just 30 runs off 30 balls. Heinrich Klaasen's onslaught seemed to put the game beyond India's reach. However, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya turned the tide with economical overs, restricting South Africa to just 10 runs in the 16th, 17th, and 18th overs.Arshdeep Singh's four-run 19th over set the stage for a thrilling finish. With 16 runs required off the last over, Pandya stepped up to bowl. Suryakumar Yadav's spectacular catch of David Miller in the final over sealed India's victory.Axar Patel, who had been under fire after his expensive over, revealed the mindset that fueled India's comeback. "For the first five seconds, I thought it was over," he admitted. "But Rohit bhai came to me and said, 'Match khatam nahi hua hai.' We were determined to fight until the end."Since the tournament, Axar has become an indispensable member of the Indian team, proving his worth as an all-format player. His performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 cemented his reputation as a match-winner.