After attending a press conference in Mumbai on Monday, the Indian Cricket Team left for Sri Lanka to start their tour, which included a three-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series. The T20Is will take place on the 27th, 28th, and 30th of July at the Pallekele International Stadium. The ODI series is scheduled to commence on the 1st of August at the R Premadasa Stadium.
Ahead of the tour, India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, admitted he was aware of the big expectations as he took over the role from stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri.
“More importantly, they will always have my back. Try and make it a happy and secure dressing room. I am taking over a very successful team. Runners-up in WTC and 50-overs WC. I have big shoes to fill and looking forward to it,” Gambhir said during the press conference.
He will be assisted by his former KKR colleague Abhishek Nayar as the assistant coach, while Ryan Ten Doeschate joins the support staff.
“I have worked closely with Abhishek and Ryan in the last two months at IPL with KKR. Both are absolute professionals and hopefully they will have a successful stint with the Indian team as coaches,” Gambhir added.
Nayar was the head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, having represented India in three ODIs and having had a fruitful domestic career where he won multiple Ranji Trophy titles. Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy recently lauded him after KKR won the IPL title.
Ten Doeschate, currently involved as the assistant coach with the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket, has also spent time as a batting coach with Kent.