The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, showcasing the team’s arrival. “Mumbai to Pallekele via Colombo, #TeamIndia have reached Sri Lanka,” read the caption of the video.
Gautam Gambhir, India’s newly appointed head coach, addressed the media in Mumbai before the team’s departure.The series will commence with three T20Is on July 27, 28, and 30 at the Pallekele International Stadium.
Following the T20I leg, the action will shift to the R Premadasa Stadium for a three-match ODI series starting from August 1.
During the press conference, Gambhir acknowledged the significant responsibility he has taken on as the head coach of the Indian team. He recognises that he is stepping into a position previously held by renowned figures such as Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri, leaving him with ‘big shoes to fill’.
“The most important thing is that they will always have my back. Aim to make it a happy and secure dressing room. I am taking over a very successful team. Runner-ups in WTC and 50-overs WC. I have big shoes to fill and am looking forward to it,” ANI quoted Gambhir as saying in the press conference.
Gambhir will be assisted by his former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Abhishek Nayar, who has been appointed as the assistant coach for the team. Additionally, Ryan Ten Doeschate will also be joining the support staff to provide his expertise and guidance to the players.
“I have worked closely with Abhishek and Ryan in the last two months at the IPL with KKR. Both are absolute professionals and hopefully they will have a successful stint with the Indian team as coaches,” he said.
Nayar, a former Indian cricketer, represented the national team in three ODIs and had a successful domestic career, winning multiple Ranji Trophy titles with Mumbai across more than 100 first-class matches.
Nayar’s coaching abilities were evident even during his playing days, as he mentored Dinesh Karthik and played a crucial role in his international comeback.
Recently, Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner, acknowledged Nayar’s contributions after the KKR secured their first IPL title in a decade. Nayar’s coaching experience also includes a stint as the head coach of the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Meanwhile, ten Doeschate is currently serving as the assistant coach for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC). The former cricketer also held the position of batting coach for Kent.