After End Of Dravid-Rohit Era, Axar Patel Reveals Gautam Gambhir's Message On 'Change'

28.07.2024 - 08:58 sports.ndtv.com

India all-rounder Axar Patel says new T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav is a bowlers' captain who allows them the freedom to execute their plans.

The spin all-rounder also said that the team will look to maximise its batting combinations in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka.

Suryakumar and India made a winning start to the three-match series here on Saturday when they crushed hosts Sri Lanka by 43 runs in a high-scoring opening T20I. "I played in the last Australia series with Surya bhai (as captain).

I know that he is a bowlers' captain. He gives you free hand (in a way) that you decide first," Axar said at the post-match press conference on Saturday. "Whenever you get hit, he comes and says that it was a good ball.

cricket Sri Lanka Cricket Team India Cricket Team Gautam Gambhir Suryakumar Yadav Axar Patel Australia India Sri Lanka

Indian cricket team's support staff under new coach Gautam Gambhir will have a big name with Morne Morkel being announced as the bowling coach. The former South African pacer was earlier the bowling coach of the Pakistan cricket team and has been associated with IPL sides too in various capacities. "South African pacer Morne Morkel appointed as new bowling coach of team India", Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah told news agency ANI.

"He Isn't Foreign Coach": Ex-India Star's Blunt 'Kohli-Rohit Verdict' On Gautam Gambhir's Stance

The ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka were quite important from the perspective of the Indian cricket team as they were the first assignments of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach came to an end following the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph and Gambhir was announced right away to take over the role. The first team selection for the new head coach came with some new faces but the ODI squad included two experienced names, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While the tour of Sri Lanka was being seen as an opportunity to try new combinations with young talents, Gambhir insisted on including Kohli and Rohit. Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra was asked about the decision and he believes that including Rohit-Virat was not the right call.

After ODI Tie, Rohit Sharma Gives Verdict On India vs Sri Lanka Result

India captain Rohit Sharma believes that the 231-run target set by Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium was "gettable". After restricting Sri Lanka on 230/8, it turned out to be a topsy-turvy chase for the Indian team. Despite the explosive start provided by Rohit (58 in 47 balls, with seven fours and three sixes), the chase became a tantalizing affair for the Indian team. However, the Indian team ended up losing wickets towards the end, which ended the game in a draw in the absence of Super Over.

"Whether He Will Laugh Or Not...": Rohit Sharma's Straight Take On New India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir

India's three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting on Friday, will also be the first time of the side playing under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Skipper Rohit Sharma said Gambhir, who has taken over from Rahul Dravid, has a very clear mind in what he aims to do with the team. "Look, Gautam Gambhir has played a lot of cricket firstly and then he has been involved with a franchise team as well before sitting at the top. So yes, like I said, it's obviously going to be different from the previous coaching staff. Every human and individual is different. Before when Rahul Dravid joined the team, we had Ravi Shastri."

Gautam Gambhir's Reaction Says It All As Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Slam Bowlers For Fun. Watch

The two stalwarts of Indian cricket Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are back in the team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Both of them will be playing an international game after a gap of one month. Virat and Rohit called time on their T20I careers after India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, but the duo remain available for the ODI and Test formats. India's first ODI against Sri Lanka will take place at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2.

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav Bowls To Defend 6 Runs In 20th Over, Fans Hail 'Gautam Gambhir Era'

Indian cricket team fans had their hearts racing as they saw T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav bowling the 20th over of the match against Sri Lanka, who needed just 6 runs to win the match. Suryakumar, who had not bowled a single over in the match until that moment, bowled the final over of the 3rd T20I and gave away just 5 runs, forcing the match into Super Over. As Surya's final-over heroics, with the ball, went viral, fans also hailed head coach Gautam Gambhir, saying a new era has started.