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Team India, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, is gearing up for a series of cricketing battles against Sri Lanka this summer. The action-packed schedule includes a three-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series, scheduled between July 27 and August 7. The Indian squad touched down in Sri Lanka on Monday, July 22.
In a surprising move, Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as the new T20I captain under Gambhir’s mentorship. This decision, discussed extensively between Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, marked a departure from the anticipated succession plan involving Hardik Pandya, the former vice-captain of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup squad.
Shubman Gill has been entrusted with the role of vice-captain for the T20I series, with Agarkar emphasizing his potential to lead across formats, labeling him an indispensable all-format player for the national team.
Ahead of their departure to Sri Lanka, Gambhir and Agarkar held a comprehensive press conference in Mumbai, addressing various aspects ranging from team composition to leadership appointments.
Under the stewardship of Gautam Gambhir, the vision for the revamped Indian T20I team is taking shape. Gambhir outlined the blueprint for the team’s direction, shedding light on the rationale behind strategic player rests and addressing concerns regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. Additionally, he highlighted the anticipated return of Mohammed Shami, underscoring his comeback as a pivotal moment for the squad’s bowling dynamics.
Team India Under Gautam Gambhir Reaches Sri Lanka
As the T20I series against Sri Lanka kicks off, the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) as captain over Hardik Pandya has sparked significant curiosity. Ajit Agarkar addressed this widely discussed topic, citing Hardik’s current fitness standards as a key factor in the management’s decision-making process. The emphasis was on selecting a captain who could ensure consistent on-field presence throughout the entirety of each match.
“Obviously, you want a captain that is likely to play all the games. We think he’s [Suryakumar Yadav] a deserving candidate, over time we’ll see how he develops into the role,” Agarkar said in a press conference on Monday (July 22).
In the upcoming T20I series, the likes of Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Sanju Samson are set to feature prominently, with all four players slated to participate in all three matches. Rishabh Pant, who played a significant role in India’s T20 World Cup campaign ahead of Samson, adds a fresh dimension to the team’s selection dynamics.
Meanwhile, the ODI squad welcomes back Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer following an extended absence. As the series approaches, stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will rejoin the squad alongside other selected players. This marks India’s first series post the T20 World Cup where they will field a full-strength lineup, promising an exciting return to international cricket action.
