(Source X)
Following India’s emphatic 3-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka in the T20Is, newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir delivered an impassioned address in the dressing room. He commended skipper Suryakumar Yadav for his stellar performance and exceptional leadership throughout the series.
Gautam Gambhir, who assumed the reins of the Indian men’s cricket team just before the white-ball series against Sri Lanka, expressed his confidence in Suryakumar Yadav’s capability to lead the T20I squad, preferring him over all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, Team India displayed dominance, securing a clean sweep in the T20I series.
You Absolutely Delivered It – Gautam Gambhir
In a video shared by BCCI on its X platform, Gautam Gambhir praised the team’s unwavering determination. The head coach emphasized that Indian players showcased resilience, battling fiercely on every delivery and for every run throughout the recent match.
“Guys, congratulations on a great series win. Congratulations to Surya as well. Outstanding captaincy and more important as well. I asked for something before the start of the game, and you absolutely delivered it. This is what happens when you keep fighting. You don’t give up. This kind of game happens, and the only way these games can happen is when we keep fighting on every delivery and for every run. And this was the example,” Gambhir said.
Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh emerged as pivotal figures in India’s triumph during the latest match. In a tense moment with Sri Lanka requiring nine runs off 12 deliveries, Rinku and Suryakumar each claimed two crucial wickets, contributing significantly to India’s efforts. The match ended in a thrilling tie as Sri Lanka matched India’s score of 137 runs, leading to a Super Over showdown.
In the decisive Super Over, Washington Sundar showcased brilliant bowling prowess, taking two wickets while conceding just two runs. Subsequently, the Indian T20I captain sealed the victory with a decisive sweep shot on the first ball. Recognizing his exceptional performances and leadership throughout the T20I series, Suryakumar Yadav was honored with the “Player of the Series” award.
Make Sure Fitness Levels Are Right Up There – Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir offered guidance to players excluded from the Indian ODI team, urging them to utilize the break wisely by focusing on maintaining their skills and fitness. The 42-year-old emphasized the importance of returning to the team ahead of the Bangladesh series with heightened fitness levels and a polished skill set.
“Some of the players who won’t be part of the 50-over format will have a longer break so make sure when you come back for the Bangladesh series, keep your skills & fitness level high – you don’t want to come for that series thinking, okay, I can just turn up & probably deliver for the team – so make sure fitness levels are right up there,” Gambhir added.
Rohit Sharma is set to captain the Indian team in the upcoming three-match ODI series on their tour. The series opener against Sri Lanka will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2nd, with the subsequent two matches also slated at the same venue.
