Gautam Gambhir is all set to start his new innings as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. The 42-year-old former Indian cricketer was appointed as the new head coach on July 9 after Rahul Dravid’s contract came to an end last month. In Gambhir’s first series as head coach, India will face Sri Lanka in three T20Is on July 27, 28, and 30, and then take on the Islanders in three ODIs on August 2, 4, and 7.
The BCCI announced India’s squad for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka on Thursday (July 18). Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in the T20Is, whereas Rohit Sharma will return from his vacations and captain India in three ODIs. In addition to him, Virat Kohli will also be seen in action in the 50-over matches.
Kohli, who is currently spending time with family in London, was a surprise inclusion in the ODI team after it was reported earlier that he would be rested for the white-ball series.
After the Indian team was announced for the Sri Lankan tour, Cricbuzz has reported that Kohli is comfortable working with Gambhir, with whom he had some heated altercations during IPL matches in the past. According to the report, the former Indian captain communicated the message clearly to the BCCI officials that his previous issues would not affect their professional relationships.
“Kohli is believed to have stated that previous issues will not affect their professional relationship in the dressing room. Following the (T20) World Cup final in Barbados, discussions were reportedly held on the matter. Kohli, who, like Gambhir, is from Delhi, assured the concerned parties that he recognises both are working towards the country’s interests and is ready to move on from earlier disagreements,” the Cricbuzz report stated.
Kohli is playing because…
Kohli was expected to skip the Sri Lanka series along with Rohit, but after Gambhir expressed his desire to have both the senior players for the international matches, they were spoken to by the board officials, and they agreed to play. However, there was a consensus on giving rest to premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
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