Ambidextrous Spinner Kamindu Mendis Raises Questions with Unique Bowling Style

Ambidextrous Spinner Kamindu Mendis Raises Questions with Unique Bowling Style

Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis has become the talk of the cricketing world after his ambidextrous bowling display in the first T20I against India. The spinner left experts and fans alike in awe as he switched between bowling with his left and right arms during the same over.

Mendis’s unique ability has raised questions about the legality of such a bowling style. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, a bowler must inform the umpire of their intended bowling style (right-handed or left-handed) before the start of the over. Any change in bowling style during the over must also be communicated to the umpire.

In Mendis’s case, he informed the umpire of his intention to bowl left-handed against Suryakumar Yadav. However, when facing Rishabh Pant, he switched to bowling with his right arm without informing the umpire. This led to some confusion and debate about whether Mendis had violated the rules.

The ICC regulations state that a bowler who fails to notify the umpire of a change in bowling style will be called for a no-ball. However, it is unclear whether this rule applies to a bowler who switches between bowling with both hands during the same over.

The incident has sparked a discussion about the need for clearer regulations regarding ambidextrous bowling. Some experts believe that such a bowling style could give bowlers an unfair advantage, while others argue that it is a legitimate skill that should be allowed.

Meanwhile, in the match itself, India’s top-order batsmen put on a dominant display to post a commanding 213 for 7. Suryakumar Yadav, in his first match as permanent skipper of India’s T20 team, led the charge with a sparkling 58 off 26 balls. Young stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill also made significant contributions with 41 and 34 runs, respectively.

Rishabh Pant struggled initially but ended just one short of a half-century with some audacious shots. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting, with only Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana managing to pick up two wickets each.

Team India Prepares for Sri Lanka T20I Series Under Gambhir's Guidance

Team India Prepares for Sri Lanka T20I Series Under Gambhir’s Guidance

Team India, under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, is poised to face Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series on Saturday in Pallekele. Gambhir, renowned for his aggressive approach, aims to maintain India’s dominance across all formats of the game.

In the T20Is against Sri Lanka, India will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who was chosen over all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Ahead of the 1st T20I, a unique moment was captured during practice. Hardik, a fast-bowling all-rounder, bowled a leg spin, imitating the action of legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble. Skipper Suryakumar also showcased his versatility by trying his hand at pace bowling.

Gambhir’s intense approach and tenacity will present a different coaching style for the players, who must also adapt to the leadership of new T20I skipper Suryakumar. Suryakumar’s elevation came as a surprise, as he leapfrogged Hardik Pandya for the job. The selectors prioritized a captain who would be on the field more often and relied on dressing room feedback.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will face a depleted bowling attack with the absence of experienced bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara due to injuries. The hosts have added Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka as replacements.

Hardik Pandya Channels Anil Kumble, Tries Leg-Spin in Sri Lanka Training

Hardik Pandya Channels Anil Kumble, Tries Leg-Spin in Sri Lanka Training

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, has been experimenting with leg-spin bowling during India’s training session in Pallekele ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka. Pandya’s bowling action has drawn comparisons to legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble, with the Lucknow Super Giants franchise sharing an image of Pandya’s delivery alongside a similar image of Kumble.

Pandya’s return to the field in Sri Lanka comes after his match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup last month and a break from the tour of Zimbabwe. However, he will not be the vice-captain of the side, a role he held during the T20 World Cup. The BCCI has appointed Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain in both T20Is and ODIs, following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is.

The decision to not make Pandya the T20I captain was based on his recent fitness concerns, according to BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Despite a successful return to form in the T20 World Cup, Pandya has faced personal challenges due to his separation from his wife, Natasa Stankovic.

Despite these setbacks, Pandya has displayed enthusiasm in training on the tour of Sri Lanka. He will be eager to continue his impressive form from the T20 World Cup final, where his three wickets played a crucial role in India’s victory over South Africa.

The tour also marks the debut of Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup. India will play three T20Is and three ODIs during the Sri Lanka tour.

Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir Reunite, Aim to Unlock Full Potential

Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir Reunite, Aim to Unlock Full Potential

Team India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and head coach Gautam Gambhir have rekindled their bond from their days at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). During a pre-match press conference ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka, Gambhir expressed regret over not fully utilizing Suryakumar’s potential during their time together at KKR.

Gambhir acknowledged that team combinations at the time prevented Suryakumar from batting at the No. 3 spot, a decision he now regrets. “As a leader, you think about the other 10 players as well,” Gambhir explained. “If Surya had batted at No. 3, he would have been a lot more effective.”

Suryakumar responded with humor, suggesting that his full potential could now be utilized under Gambhir’s guidance as head coach. He praised Gambhir’s understanding and shared insights into their strong relationship as coach and captain. “Even when I say nothing sometimes, he understands what I want,” Suryakumar stated.

Suryakumar, at 33, is currently leading the T20I team in Sri Lanka and has reunited with his former KKR captain. Since making his debut for India in 2021, Suryakumar has established himself as one of the top T20I batters in the world. In 68 matches, he has scored 2340 runs at an average of 43.33 and a strike rate of 167.74, with four hundreds and 19 fifties.

Gambhir’s regret over not fully utilizing Suryakumar’s potential highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent. It also underscores the significance of a strong coach-captain relationship in bringing out the best in players. As Suryakumar and Gambhir embark on this new journey together, they aim to unlock Suryakumar’s full potential and lead Team India to success.

India's T20I Team Undergoes Major Overhaul: Suryakumar Yadav Named Captain

India’s T20I Team Undergoes Major Overhaul: Suryakumar Yadav Named Captain

India’s T20I Team Undergoes Major Transformation

Following their triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados, the Indian cricket team has embarked on a period of transition. The retirements of captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, coupled with the departure of head coach Rahul Dravid, have necessitated significant changes.

New Leadership and Vision

Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as the new T20I captain, while Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain. Gautam Gambhir has taken over as head coach. The next T20 World Cup is less than two years away, and India is starting from scratch.

Suryakumar’s appointment came as a surprise, as Hardik Pandya was expected to take charge. However, Pandya’s recurrent injury troubles have led to his demotion. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar explained that Pandya’s fitness concerns were a major factor in the decision.

Suryakumar’s Credentials

Suryakumar has proven his batting prowess, but his leadership skills are relatively untested. He led India in a five-match T20I series against Australia last year and a three-match South Africa T20I leg that followed. India won the Australia series 4-1 and tied the South Africa series 1-1.

Suryakumar’s ability to adapt to different situations should serve him well as a leader. At 33, he is a fairly experienced campaigner, despite spending much of his career in the domestic circuit.

Split Captaincy Model

With Rohit retained as the ODI and Test captain, the Indian team has reverted to the split-captaincy model. This is not a preferred long-term solution, as history has shown.

Gill’s Future Prospects

Shubman Gill has emerged as a potential all-format captain. He has shown impressive form in recent months, leading a young side to a 4-1 victory in the T20I series against Zimbabwe.

“Shubman is the guy we feel is a three-format player, and he has shown quality over the last year or so,” said Agarkar.

Bowling Unit Remains Strong

India’s bowling unit, their greatest strength, remains largely unchanged. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami form a formidable quartet. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav continues to shine as the strike-bowler.

Immediate Focus and Future Plans

India’s immediate focus is the 2025 ODI ICC Champions Trophy, which commences in seven months’ time. Rohit and Kohli will continue to lead the team in the 50-over format.

Gambhir has suggested that the duo could potentially feature in the 2027 Cricket World Cup, although this seems unlikely given their advanced age.

The tour to Sri Lanka, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is, will provide the first glimpse of what lies ahead for the national team.

India and Sri Lanka Begin New T20I Era with Fresh Faces and Ambitions

India and Sri Lanka Begin New T20I Era with Fresh Faces and Ambitions

India and Sri Lanka Embark on New T20I Era with Fresh Faces and Ambitions

As the sun sets on Pallekele on Saturday, a new chapter in T20I cricket will unfold as India and Sri Lanka face off in a highly anticipated series. Both teams have undergone significant changes, marking a fresh start for their respective T20I journeys.

For India, the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja have paved the way for a new era under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. Sri Lanka, too, has bid farewell to Angelo Mathews and appointed Charith Asalanka as their new captain.

Adding to the excitement, both teams have appointed new head coaches: Gautam Gambhir for India and Sanath Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka (in an interim capacity).

Despite their shared new beginnings, the two teams enter the series with contrasting recent performances. India recently triumphed in the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending their long-awaited ICC trophy drought. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, suffered a disappointing first-round exit in the same tournament.

India’s recent success has been followed by a 4-1 T20I series victory over Zimbabwe, while Sri Lanka’s players have been engaged in the Lanka Premier League.

Both Asalanka and Suryakumar have prior experience leading their national sides in T20Is. However, India remains without their star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has faced setbacks with injuries to Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera, as well as a flu outbreak that has forced them to call up Ramesh Mendis as a reserve.

Spotlight on Rising Stars

Matheesha Pathirana, the young Sri Lankan pacer, has impressed with his death bowling in the LPL. His economy rate of 7.02 in that phase was the best among those who bowled at least five overs at the death.

Shubman Gill, India’s vice-captain, will be eager to prove his worth in T20Is after a disappointing performance leading up to the World Cup. He has shown promise in the IPL, but needs to translate that form into international success.

Team News and Pitch Conditions

Sri Lanka is likely to open with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, with Kusal Perera batting at No. 3. India, on the other hand, may opt for a three-spinner attack, including Ravi Bishnoi.

The pitch in Pallekele is expected to favor spinners, with an average first-innings total of 185 in the LPL. Rain is forecast during the daytime, but the match is unlikely to be affected.

Stats and Trivia

* Sri Lanka has only beaten India once in a bilateral T20I series, in 2021.
* India has won 15 out of 16 T20Is this year, with their only defeat coming against Zimbabwe.
* Suryakumar Yadav is fifth on the list of most sixes in T20Is, with 133.

Gambhir and Suryakumar Debut as India's New Leadership Duo Against Sri Lanka

Gambhir and Suryakumar Debut as India’s New Leadership Duo Against Sri Lanka

India’s newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav will make their debut as a leadership duo against a struggling Sri Lankan side in a series of limited-overs matches. The first game of the three-match T20I series will be held on Saturday in Pallekele.

Gambhir, a two-time World Cup winner, takes over the coaching reins from Rahul Dravid. The new coach faces a significant challenge, considering that under Dravid’s guidance, the team reached the final in each of the ICC events — World Test Championship, ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup — in the respective recent editions.

Known for his tenacity and intense approach, Gambhir’s coaching style will present a fresh experience for the players. They will also need to adapt to the leadership of their new T20I captain, Suryakumar.

The selection of Suryakumar as captain came as a mild surprise, as he was chosen over Hardik Pandya despite his relatively limited captaincy experience. The BCCI selection committee emphasized their preference for a captain who was consistently available for selection and considered “dressing room feedback” when deciding to reset the T20I team’s leadership.

The Indian selectors have ample time to reconstruct the team for the next T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Following the recent World Cup victory and the retirement of experienced players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is, the team finds itself in a transitional phase.

This presents an opportunity for young talents like Shubman Gill, the vice-captain in both white-ball formats, to solidify his position in the team. Other promising players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag, will also aim to establish themselves.

Axar Patel seamlessly steps into Jadeja’s role in the playing eleven, while India boasts a wealth of all-round options with the presence of Pandya, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar.

Jasprit Bumrah has been given a well-deserved rest for this tour, allowing Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj to capitalize on the favorable conditions at the Pallekele International Stadium.

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack has been weakened by the absence of Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara. The team has brought in Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka as replacements.

The island nation, which won the T20 World Cup in 2014, is currently facing challenging times after being eliminated in the first round of the recent edition. In the wake of this disappointment, captain Wanindu Hasaranga, coach Chris Silverwood and consultant coach Mahela Jayawardene all submitted their resignations.

Former SL captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the interim coach for Sri Lanka. He has encouraged his team to capitalize on the absence of experienced players in the Indian squad. However, Jayasuriya is well aware that his team is in dire need of consistent and strong performances to turn their fortunes around.

The responsibility of leading the team has been given to the promising batsman Charith Asalanka, as Sri Lanka, similar to India, ventures into unfamiliar territory with the aim of improving their cricket.

With the advantage of playing on their home turf, Sri Lanka have reason to be optimistic about changing their fortunes, considering the wealth of talent within their squad. This includes the aggressive former captain Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis and the seasoned Dinesh Chandimal.

Jasprit Bumrah Breaks Silence on Captaincy Snub, Defends Bowlers' Intelligence

Jasprit Bumrah Breaks Silence on Captaincy Snub, Defends Bowlers’ Intelligence

Team India is gearing up to face Sri Lanka in a white-ball series, commencing with three T20I matches from Saturday. The absence of former skipper Rohit Sharma from the shortest format has sparked discussions about his replacement. While all-rounder Hardik Pandya seemed like a potential candidate, the newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have surprisingly named batter Suryakumar Yadav as the captain for the T20Is against Sri Lanka.

The decision has raised questions about star pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s exclusion from the captaincy race. Bumrah, who played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, has expressed his views on the matter.

“I cannot approach the team and demand to be made captain. It’s beyond my authority. I believe bowlers are the intelligent ones because we have to dismiss batters. We constantly face challenges due to shorter grounds and superior bats. I can’t recall any technology or innovation that significantly enhances ball swing. People enjoy watching the ball being hit around and sixes being scored,” Bumrah stated at the Indian Express Adda.

“Bowlers are doing the difficult work. They’re not hiding behind a bat or a flat wicket. When a game is lost, bowlers are blamed. It’s a demanding task. I take great pride in it. You face numerous obstacles. Bowlers develop innovative strategies to succeed because of these challenges. Facing adversity makes you more courageous, and leadership requires courage. We’ve seen Pat Cummins excel. I’ve witnessed Wasim Akram lead. Kapil Dev and Imran Khan have won World Cups. Bowlers are the intelligent ones. Sometimes, it’s physically demanding, which is why batters often assume leadership roles. In my opinion, bowlers are the smart ones,” he added.

Traditionally, bowlers have not been considered for team captaincy. However, Bumrah cited the example of Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins, who led his team to ODI World Cup and World Test Championship titles.

“Perception shifts with results. I faced the perception that my bowling action wouldn’t work, but now people try to imitate it. You don’t need to say anything; let your results speak for themselves. Pat Cummins is a prime example. I’ve achieved many positive outcomes. He won the World Cup and WTC. I don’t believe it’s a burden. When you play cricket, you want responsibility,” said Bumrah.

“You don’t want to hide and be a backbencher. You must have the mindset that if you give me the ball, I will make a difference. I believe there is no greater feeling than having responsibility. Injuries can happen to anyone,” he added.

Indian Cricket Embarks on New Era Under Gambhir and Suryakumar

Indian Cricket Embarks on New Era Under Gambhir and Suryakumar

Indian cricket is poised for a transformative chapter as it embarks on a three-match T20I series against hosts Sri Lanka on Saturday. This series marks the dawn of a new era under head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Gambhir, who recently succeeded Rahul Dravid following India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, has swiftly implemented significant changes to the team. One of the most notable decisions was appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain, replacing Hardik Pandya. This choice sparked considerable debate, but as the series opener approaches, the focus shifts to the present and future.

Suryakumar Yadav, renowned for his aggressive batting style and innovative shots, shared insights into his relationship with Gambhir, describing it as both special and strong. “This relationship is very special. When I joined KKR in 2014, I played under him. It was special because I got the opportunity to play for the franchise and… As they say, if you take three steps, he takes two steps, and somewhere in the middle, we meet. That’s the kind of relationship we had. And even now, the relationship remains the same, strong,” Suryakumar said in a video released by BCCI on its social media handle.

Reflecting on their past experiences at Kolkata Knight Riders, Suryakumar emphasized the mutual understanding and support that has defined their relationship. He is optimistic about how this dynamic will translate into their new roles within the Indian team.

“But he knows how I work. What my mindset is when I come to practice sessions. How he tries to work as a coach. And it’s all about that lovely relationship we have and very excited to see how it goes forward,” Suryakumar concluded.

As India prepares for the series against Sri Lanka, the team’s strategy and performance under the new leadership will be closely scrutinized. Gambhir’s tenure as head coach and Suryakumar’s captaincy promise a fresh approach, aiming to build on India’s recent successes and take the team to new heights.

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.

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