The Indian cricket team is set for an exciting tour of Sri Lanka, featuring three T20I matches and three ODIs. The T20I series, starting on July 27 in Pallekele, will see Suryakumar Yadav leading the side for the first time, following Rohit Sharma‘s recent retirement from the format. This tour also marks Gautam Gambhir‘s debut as the head coach of the Indian men’s team. The ODI leg, scheduled from August 3 to 7 in Colombo, will serve as a preparatory phase for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

India’s coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir

In a move yet to be officially announced by the BCCI, former Indian cricketer, Abhishek Nayar and former Netherlands international Ryan ten Doeschate are set to join the Indian coaching staff.  According to a Cricbuzz report, these appointments are part of a new coaching setup under Gambhir, which will retain T Dilip as the fielding coach from Rahul Dravid‘s previous team. The new bowling coach is expected to be Morne Morkel, the former South African pacer, who has previously collaborated with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Nayar and ten Doeschate worked with Gambhir during his successful tenure at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

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Integration of new coaching staff

The report further stated that while Dilip and Nayar are confirmed to travel with the team, there is some uncertainty regarding Ten Doeschate’s integration. Currently in the USA with the LA Knight Riders in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024, Ten Doeschate might join the team directly in Colombo. Similarly, Morkel’s travel plans and official role confirmation are still pending.

The Indian cricket team is most probably schedule to depart for Sri Lanka on July 22 via a chartered flight from Mumbai. Prior to departure, Gambhir is expected to hold a press conference, where chief selector Ajit Agarkar will likely introduce him officially as the new head coach. This event is also anticipated to include the announcement of the complete coaching staff, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in Indian cricket.

Also READ: List of players left out of India squads for T20I and ODI series on Sri Lanka 2024