Indian cricket team kicked off their Sri Lanka tour with a lively practice session. The tour includes three T20 matches starting on July 27 and three ODIs starting on August 2.
This tour is significant as it’s the first under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Following their T20 World Cup victory, which was India’s first ICC trophy in 11 years, the team has seen major changes. Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach ended, and key players like captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20 Internationals.
With these changes, the team needed a new T20 captain. The selectors chose Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya, who was the vice-captain during the World Cup. The decision was based on Suryakumar’s better injury record and availability for more matches.
During the practice session in Pallekele, the players were in high spirits. The training focused on running, catching, and personal coaching. Gambhir gave batting tips to Sanju Samson and had discussions with Shivam Dube. Suryakumar Yadav also interacted with the team, embracing his leadership role.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, set to replace Rohit and Kohli as openers, had extended batting sessions. Hardik Pandya practiced match simulations with new assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. Gambhir has appointed two new assistant coaches: Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate.
After the practice, the players boarded the team bus. A video by the YouTube channel Sports Fact Real captured Gambhir and Pandya sitting together at the front, laughing and enjoying themselves. Gambhir sat on the right side of the aisle, while Pandya sat on the left. Abhishek Nayar sat right behind Gambhir. Although Suryakumar Yadav’s seat was not visible, it appeared he sat towards the back of the bus.
The overall mood was positive and light-hearted, indicating a strong team spirit as they embark on the Sri Lanka tour. This tour marks a fresh start for Indian cricket, blending experienced and emerging players under Gambhir’s leadership. The upcoming matches will be crucial in shaping the team’s future.