(Source X)
Star India allrounder Hardik Pandya has rejoined the Indian squad as they prepare to depart for the T20I series against Sri Lanka. Pandya will exclusively participate in the T20I segment of the series following his request to skip the ODIs.
In a video posted by news agency ANI on X (formerly Twitter), Pandya was seen joining his teammates as they geared up for their journey to the island nation. He appeared relaxed and shared jovial moments with both his teammates and the new coaching staff.
During his arrival, Pandya warmly embraced India’s new assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who is part of the revamped coaching setup led by Gautam Gambhir. Nayar, alongside Ryan ten Doeschate, will accompany the Indian team for the Sri Lanka tour in their roles as assistant coaches.
Watch the Video-
Hardik Pandya recently missed out on the opportunity to become India’s T20I captain, a role that went to Suryakumar Yadav instead. Previously, Pandya had served as the vice-captain under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. With Rohit retiring, Pandya appeared to be the natural successor for the T20I captaincy. However, concerns over his recurring injury and fitness challenges led the selectors to opt for the safer choice of Suryakumar Yadav.
During the press conference preceding India’s departure for Sri Lanka, Gautam Gambhir expressed gratitude to the BCCI for accommodating his requests regarding the composition of the coaching staff. Gambhir also clarified that the exact lineup of the Indian team’s support staff has not been fully confirmed yet and will be decided upon after the conclusion of the Sri Lanka tour.
“Really happy with the BCCI. They have agreed with most of the things I have asked for. The crux of the support staff will remain what it is right now, but we will finalise it once the Sri Lanka tour is over,” Gambhir stated.
Gambhir also highlighted the benefits of having two assistant coaches, emphasizing their ability to contribute across all facets of the game: batting, bowling, and fielding.
“Yes, Abhishek (Nayar) is the assistant coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate is the assistant coach. I personally feel there can be assistant coaches who can probably involve themselves more in all three departments rather than just focusing on one, and that is the reason why now we have two assistant coaches as well. And that is the way we go forward, and yes, you will get to know the exact support staff once the Sri Lanka tour is over,” Gambhir explained.
Team India is scheduled to compete in three T20Is and three ODIs during their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, commencing on July 27. The T20I matches are set to take place on July 27, 28, and 30 at Pallekele, while the ODIs are scheduled for August 2, 4, and 7 in Colombo.
