Gautam Gambhir Era Begins: Pragyan Ojha Hails New Chapter for Team India

Gautam Gambhir Era Begins: Pragyan Ojha Hails New Chapter for Team India

As the Indian cricket team embarks on a new era under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir, former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has hailed the appointment as a significant turning point. During an event hosted by Sony Sports Network, Ojha emphasized the importance of this change, stating that it marks the beginning of a new chapter for Team India.

Gambhir, who took over the reins from Rahul Dravid after India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup, is set to make his debut as head coach on the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. His tenure has already witnessed notable changes, including the appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain, replacing Hardik Pandya.

The tour, scheduled to commence on July 27, will feature a three-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series starting on August 2. Ojha expressed his support for the decision to include senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODI squad, despite earlier speculations that they would be rested.

“To call senior players for the ODI series is a good decision. You have to serve the nation, and every coach wants a good result from his starting tenure,” he said.

Ojha also praised the newly appointed T20I skipper, Suryakumar Yadav. “I am impressed with Suryakumar Yadav. He is one of the good players, and now it has to be seen how he leads the Indian side,” Ojha remarked.

The BCCI’s recent directive requiring senior players to participate in Ranji Trophy matches has been met with mixed reactions. Ojha commented on this decision, saying, “It’s so sad that the BCCI had to tell them to play Ranji, but you are whatever today; it’s all because of Ranji games.”

As the Gambhir era unfolds, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the fresh strategies and dynamics that will emerge, setting the stage for an exciting series in Sri Lanka.

Suryakumar Yadav Named India's T20I Captain, Pandya Embraces Decision

Suryakumar Yadav Named India’s T20I Captain, Pandya Embraces Decision

Hardik Pandya’s leadership aspirations have faced another setback after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. This decision has sparked speculation about the potential impact on the relationship between Pandya and Yadav.

However, a heartwarming moment captured on video before the team’s departure to Sri Lanka has eased concerns. In the video, Pandya and Yadav are seen shaking hands and embracing, indicating that there is no animosity between them.

At a pre-departure press conference, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the rationale behind the decision to appoint Yadav as captain. He cited Yadav’s impressive performances, his cricketing acumen, and his status as one of the world’s leading T20 batters.

Agarkar also hinted that fitness played a role in the decision, as Yadav is more likely to be available for all matches. He emphasized that Pandya remains a crucial player for India, despite not being named captain.

“In regards to Hardik, he’s still a very important player for us and that’s what we want him to be, that player that he can be because those sorts of skill-sets are very difficult to find,” said Agarkar.

India’s tour of Sri Lanka will commence with the first T20I on July 27. The three-match T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.

Gautam Gambhir Takes Charge as India's Head Coach, Begins Training in Sri Lanka

Gautam Gambhir Takes Charge as India’s Head Coach, Begins Training in Sri Lanka

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, commenced his tenure on Tuesday as the team initiated their first practice session in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. The session marked the beginning of preparations for the upcoming three-match T20I series against the host nation.

Gambhir, who succeeded the esteemed Rahul Dravid, led the team onto the field and oversaw the training session. The session encompassed fielding drills, running exercises, and one-on-one interactions with the players. Suryakumar Yadav, the newly appointed T20I captain, also actively engaged with the team members.

During the session, Gambhir was observed providing batting guidance to Sanju Samson and engaging in discussions with all-rounder Shivam Dube. Gambhir’s coaching staff for the Sri Lanka tour includes former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and Dutch batter Ryan ten Doeschate. The trio recently collaborated to guide the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in the IPL 2024.

Their maiden assignment with the national team will commence on July 27 with the T20I series, followed by three ODIs. T Dilip, who was part of Dravid’s support staff, will continue as the fielding coach. Sairaj Bahutule, affiliated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, will serve as the interim bowling coach.

Gambhir’s appointment as head coach has generated significant anticipation among fans and experts alike. His proven track record as a successful player and his recent coaching success with KKR have raised expectations for the Indian team’s performance under his leadership.

The upcoming series against Sri Lanka will provide an early indication of Gambhir’s coaching philosophy and the team’s progress under his guidance. The series will also serve as a crucial preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup later this year.

Shakib Al Hasan Returns to Bangladesh Test Squad for Second Sri Lanka Test

Shakib Al Hasan Returns to Bangladesh Test Squad for Second Sri Lanka Test

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s talismanic all-rounder, has made a triumphant return to the Test squad after a year-long absence. He has been included in the team for the second Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to commence on March 30 in Chattogram.

Shakib’s last Test appearance was in April 2023 against Ireland. An eye condition subsequently sidelined him from the longest format, although he has remained active in white-ball cricket. His return to the Test arena is a significant boost for Bangladesh, who are seeking to level the series after losing the first Test by a hefty margin.

To accommodate Shakib, Towhid Hridoy has been omitted from the squad. Hridoy failed to make the playing XI for the first Test. Another change sees pace bowler Hasan Mahmud replace the injured Musfik Hasan. Mahmud, who has yet to make his Test debut, has featured in 39 white-ball internationals.

Shakib’s inclusion brings a wealth of experience to the Bangladesh Test side. He has played 66 Tests, amassing over 4000 runs and claiming 235 wickets. His last international outing was the ODI World Cup in India in late 2023. Since then, he has participated in the Bangladesh Premier League and the Dhaka Premier Division League.

The eye condition that kept Shakib out of the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka has now subsided. He is fully fit and eager to contribute to Bangladesh’s Test fortunes.

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