SL vs IND: Team India departs for Sri Lanka for multi-format series

Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill. (Source – Twitter/X)

Following the conclusion of Gautam Gambhir’s inaugural press conference as head coach of Team India, held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai, the Indian team was snapped en route to the interiors of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Their departure to the island nation was scheduled for approximately 2 pm, marking the start of their journey for the upcoming tour, which commences on July 27, 2024.

The trio of T20Is is scheduled for July 27, July 28, and July 30, to be succeeded by a three-match ODI series commencing on August 1. The T20I segment will be held at the Pallekele International Stadium, while the R. Premadasa Stadium will host the 50-over fixtures to be held on August 2, August 4, and August 7.

Notably, Gambhir has recently assumed the role of head coach, succeeding the esteemed Rahul Dravid. Dravid’s tenure concluded with the T20 World Cup 2024, where he achieved a triumphant finish, departing with much-deserved silverware in hand. This followed two consecutive World Test Championship finals in 2021 and 2023, in which India finished as runners-up, and a poignant loss to Australia in the Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad, despite a stellar performance throughout the tournament.

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Following Rohit Sharma and others’ retirement from T20Is immediately after their victory in Barbados, Suryakumar Yadav was appointed as the captain of the T20I squad for the forthcoming series, with Shubman Gill designated as his deputy.

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Surprisingly, Hardik Pandya, who served as vice-captain during the 20-over World Cup in the Americas, was not selected for either role.