Newly appointed India head coach, Gautam Gambhir began his career in the new role with a 3-0 T20I series triumph against Sri Lanka. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy received its due credit in the post-series dressing room speech given by head coach Gambhir while all-rounder Hardik Pandya also had some special words for his Mumbai Indians teammate. The comments from Gambhir and Hardik were shared by the BCCI in a video published on social media. 

“Guys congratulations on a great series win. Congratulations to Surya as well, outstanding captaincy and more importantly with the bat as well. Guys, I asked for something before the start of the game and you absolutely delivered it. This is what happens when you keep fighting. You don’t give up. These kind of games happen, and the only way these games can happen is when we keep fighting on every delivery and for every run.

“And this was the example we keep getting better, we keep improving our skills as well, because we need to still get better on playing on wickets like these, because we might end up getting these kinds of wickets. So we should first assess the situation and conditions really quickly and what is the par score as well. There is a lot of learning from this game, but more important than not this is a great series win.”

Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Hardik Pandya address the dressing room as the action now shifts to the ODIs in Colombo #TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @GautamGambhir | @hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/PFrTEVzdvd

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 31, 2024

The India head coach asked the players to increase their fitness levels high when they return for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

“Some of the guys, who will not be part of the 50-over format, will have a longer break, you absolutely deserve it, but make sure when you come back for the Bangladesh series, keep your skills and specially the fitness levels high. You don’t want to come for that series thinking that, okay, I can just turn up and probably deliver for the team. So make sure that from the fitness point of view, the fitness levels are right up there. Okay, congratulations once again, Hardik is going to wrap it up.”

Hardik Pandya also shared a few words after Gambhir was done talking, and even he had nothing else but praise for India’s new T20I captain, Suryakumar.

“First of all, well done! I think in batting first, we were challenged, and conditions were difficult, but I think after losing those early wickets Shubman (Gill) and Riyan (Parag) the way they batted and created the partnership was brilliant. When you speak about situational awareness, I think that point of time, what you both did was very, very important. And that gave us a platform to at least reach to a decent total which our bowlers made sure bowl at the right areas. Especially, I always emphasize on the fact that the lower order has to come and chip in and I think Washi (Washington Sundar) and those 8 runs by Bishi (Ravi Bishnoi) were very important.”

“As Gauti bhai mentioned, Surya, well done on making sure that the way you rotated the bowlers, making sure, showing faith in the bowlers, which you gave in the last couple of overs. That was brilliant. And as a bowling group, obviously it was fantastic everyone chipped in. Washi, well done buddy. When you win games like this, eventually it kind of takes us forward. We are taking step by step. But this was definitely a right step going forward for the future and well done to all the guys who are playing ODIs, kill it! Continue!,” he said.

India will now move on to the 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, of which, Suryakumar would not be a part.

With ANI Inputs

Displaying consistency and skill, Suryakumar Yadav, the India T20 Internationals captain, has joined the elite list of cricketers with the most Player of the Series awards in T20Is. This achievement places him just behind Virat Kohli, who leads the pack with six awards, showcasing Yadav’s remarkable rise in the shortest format of the game. With his fifth such accolade, Yadav now stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and Australia’s cricketing giant David Warner. Yadav’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of spectacular. His aggressive batting style, coupled with his ability to play under pressure, has made him a crucial asset for the Indian cricket team.

As of now, he has played 71 T20Is, scoring 2432 runs at an average of 42.67. His recent performances have not only solidified his position in the squad but have also earned him recognition as one of the most formidable T20I players globally. Each of his Player of the Series awards has come through match-winning performances, reflecting his consistency and importance to the team.

Joining the ranks of Shakib Al Hasan and David Warner, both of whom have been pillars for their respective teams, highlights Yadav’s significant impact in international cricket. Shakib’s all-round capabilities and Warner’s explosive batting have set high standards, and Yadav’s inclusion in this list shows his calibre and potential to shape the future of T20 cricket.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir began with a 3-0 T20I series win over Sri Lanka.

In the last T20I match of the series on Tuesday against Lanka, India decided to change the winning combination and made four changes to the playing XI. Despite tottering with the bat, India relied on their high-risk, high-reward approach, and eventually, it paid off.

While chasing 138, Lank’s Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis stitched up an opening 58-run stand to set the tone of the game.

Ravi Bishnoi got the breakthrough in the ninth over, raising hopes for an unprecedented comeback. Bishnoi returned to remove Mendis (43) by trapping him in front of the stumps.

Washington Sundar removed Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka on back-to-back deliveries to turn the tides in India’s favour.

With nine runs needed off 12 balls, Suryakumar Yadav gambled on Rinku Singh, and he delivered when the situation demanded it most.

In a single over, Rinku sent set-batter Kusal Perera (46) and then Ramesh Mendis (3) back to the dugout to bring the equation down to six runs in six balls.

Suryakumar took the ball in his hand and claimed two wickets in a row, bringing the equation down to three runs on the final ball. Chamindu Wickramasinghe picked up a double on the final ball to take the game to Super Over.

Washington Sundar weaved magic, gave away two runs, and removed Kusal Mendis and Nissanka to restrict Sri Lanka to two runs.

Surykuamar pulled off a sweep to find the fence to complete the whitewash over Sri Lanka in the T20Is.

Star India batter Rinku Singh bagged the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award following Men in Blue’s 3-0 triumph over Sri Lanka in the T20I series. Newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir’s era started with a massive 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka, after Team India successfully beaten the hosts in the final game on Tuesday. The X handle of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a video of the medal ceremony, which takes place after every game in the dressing room.

In the third T20I match of the series, Rinku Singh made some crucial catch attempts, which helped the Men in Blue dominate Sri Lanka.

India head coach T Dilip announced the contenders for the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award and named Ravi Bishnoi, Rinku Singh and Riyan Parag. However, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate awarded the ‘Fielder of the Series’ medal to the 26-year-old.

T20I series win

Any guesses on winner of the fielding medal? ????

Find out ???????? #TeamIndia | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/1gzqQcpmuU

– BCCI (@BCCI) July 31, 2024

Recapping the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl against India.

It was a team performance from the Men in Blue in the first innings, all the batters contributed while setting a target. Shubman Gill (39 runs from 37 balls, 3 fours) was the highest run-getter among his teammates. Riyan Parag (26 runs from 18 balls, 1 four and 2 sixes) and Washington Sundar (25 runs from 18 balls, 2 fours and 1 six) played a crucial role in the death overs and powered India to 137/9 after the end of the 20 overs.

Maheesh Theekshana led the Sri Lanka bowling attack and he bagged three wickets for 28 runs in his four-over spell. Wanindu Hasaranga also picked up two wickets and gave away 29 runs.

During the run chase, Kusal Perera (46 runs from 34 balls, 5 fours) and Kusal Mendis (43 runs from 41 balls, 3 fours) were the top performers for the hosts in the final T20I game of the series and propelled Sri Lanka to 137/8 to take the match into the super over. Opener Pathum Nissanka (26 runs from 27 balls, 5 fours) also played a supportive role while batting.

The talking point of the match is Rinku Singh and skipper Suryakumar Yadav taking two wickets each in their respective spells. The India skipper defended six runs in the final over and forced the match into the super over. Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar also took two wickets in their respective spells.

In the super over, the hosts could only score 2/2 after batting first. While chasing, Suryakumar Yadav ended the match with the first ball after he smashed a sweep towards the short fine leg for a four.

Washington Sundar was named the Player of the Match. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav was awarded the Player of the Series title.

After his side’s defeat against India in the third T20I match of the series, Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka said he was disappointed with their batting. Charith Asalanka was dismissed for a golden duck in the 17th over by Washington Sundar. Speaking after the match, Asalanka said he was not happy with the middle-order and late middle-order’s performance and added that the players played bad shots. He also hoped his side would do better in the ODIs against India.

“I am really disappointed about our batting line-up, especially middle-order and late middle-order. Very bad shot selection was the reason. Spinners were bowling that’s why Hasaranga came up the order. We gave him the license to hit one or two boundaries, that didn’t work for us. Wrong shot selection on this pitch. When the ball gets old, our shot selection should be spot-on, it’s really hard to bat on these tracks. Definitely (the target was gettable), we can’t give excuses. As professional cricketers, we need to do little bit more than this. I want to see good batting performances in the ODIs, not like T20s. Our top three and four have done well and that’s the only positive I have. Boys will do something better,” Asalanka said.

Recapping the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl against India.

It was a team performance from the Men in Blue in the first innings, all the batters contributed while setting a target. Shubman Gill (39 runs from 37 balls, 3 fours) was the highest run-getter among his teammates. Riyan Parag (26 runs from 18 balls, 1 four and 2 sixes) and Washington Sundar (25 runs from 18 balls, 2 fours and 1 six) played a crucial role in the death overs and powered India to 137/9 after the end of the 20 overs.

Maheesh Theekshana led the Sri Lanka bowling attack and he bagged three wickets for 28 runs in his four-over spell. Wanindu Hasaranga also picked up two wickets and gave away 29 runs.

During the run chase, Kusal Perera (46 runs from 34 balls, 5 fours) and Kusal Mendis (43 runs from 41 balls, 3 fours) were the top performers for the hosts in the final T20I game of the series and propelled Sri Lanka to 137/8 to take the match into the super over. Opener Pathum Nissanka (26 runs from 27 balls, 5 fours) also played a supportive role while batting.

The talking point of the match is Rinku Singh and skipper Suryakumar Yadav taking two wickets each in their respective spells. The India skipper defended six runs in the final over and forced the match into the super over. Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar also took two wickets in their respective spells.

In the super over, the hosts could only score 2/2 after batting first. While chasing, Suryakumar Yadav ended the match with the first ball after he smashed a sweep towards the short fine leg for a four.

Washington Sundar was named the Player of the Match. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav was awarded the Player of the Series title.

Suryakumar Yadav‘s heart is beating with joy watching his teammates care for each other, as he starts his journey to become a leader of men rather than a mere captain of a cricket team. In his first series as full-time T20I captain, Suryakumar won the ‘Player of The Series’ award after two brilliant knocks in the first two games, but getting two wickets with his off-breaks in a thrilling Super Over win was an icing on the cake.

“Like I said before the series, I don’t want to be the captain, I want to be the leader,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

He couldn’t stop praising his teammates, who showed a lot of heart in defending a modest 137.

“The amount of skill they have, self-confidence, it makes my job easy. The positivity, the care for each other is unbelievable. After the last game, I told few boys will be rested and they were ready to sit out.

“They have made my job easy. I have little pressure when I bat,” he said.

The Indian skipper said that just like one enjoys tall scores of 220 or 230, one should also start enjoying low-scoring games which resembles bringing a balance in lives.

“More than the last over, I feel when we were around 30/4 and 48 for 5, how the boys showed character, 140 was a par score on that track. I told, if we put our heart in, we could pull it off.”

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka didn’t have an answer as to what went wrong with the middle-order in all three games.

“Definitely, really disappointed, especially the middle-order and lower-middle order. Very bad shot selection. The thinking was spinners were bowling and that’s why Wanindu Hasaranga came up the order and we gave him the license to hit one or two boundaries,” Asalanka said.

“I think especially we played some wrong shots and when the ball gets old, the shot selection has to be spot on. We can’t give excuses and we have to do more than this.

“I want to see good batting performance in ODIs and I think the boys will do better,” the dejected Lankan skipper added.

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.

With Ramesh Mendis and Kamindu Mendis in the middle, Sri Lanka only needed 6 runs to chase down the target of 138 runs against India on Tuesday. Suryakumar, however, pulled a rabbit out of his hat. Here’s how the over went:

Ball 1: Dot

Ball 2: Kamindu Mendis Out

Ball 3: Maheesh Theekshana Out

Ball 4: 1 Run

Ball 5: 2 Runs

Ball 6: 2 Runs

Game-changing batting

Game-changing bowling @surya_14kumar bhau mann la #SonySportsNetwork #SLvIND #TeamIndia #SuryakumarYadav pic.twitter.com/5G3PESMVY9

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 30, 2024

Many fans on social media also credited Gautam Gambhir, with the former Kolkata Knight Riders mentor being credited with successful bowling experiments made in the team, including the decision to bowl Rinku Singh in the 19th over.

11 batters, 11 bowlers, 1 team: GG ERA pic.twitter.com/IuPLZFczwK

— Ujjawal kumar (@sonuujjawal26) July 30, 2024

The scores were tied, forcing the match into extra-time where Sri Lanka only managed to score 2 runs. India chased down the Super Over target in just one ball, with Suryakumar hitting a boundary on the first ball.

After the game, Suryakumar said that more than his last over, the way Indian batters showed determination after losing 5 wickets for just 48 runs, turned out to be the turning point in the game.

“More than the last over, I feel when we were around 30/4 and 48/5, how the boys showed character in the middle and took the game away from them … I felt 140 was a par score on that track. When we were going in during fielding session I told them, ‘I have seen such kind of games. If we put our heart in for one and a half hours, we can pull it off.’ 

“If you are enjoying hitting 200-220s and winning games, you should enjoy 30/4 and 70/5 as well because that creates balance in your life and that’s how you move on and just be humble. The amount of skill they have, the self-confidence that they bring to the table, it makes my job very easy. The positivity they have on the ground and in the dressing room, the care for each other what they show is unbelievable,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

With India completing a 3-0 series sweep in T20Is, the focus now shifts to the ODI series.

Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav celebrate.© AFP

India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya put an emotional post for his son Agastya on the latter’s birthday on July 30, 2024. Hardik shared his adorable moments with Agastya, who is currenly with his estranged wife Natasa Stankovic. “You keep me going every single day! Happy birthday to my partner in crime, my whole heart, my Agu. Love you beyond words,” wrote Hardik on Instagram. It is worth noting that Hardik and Natasha earlier this month in a joint statement annonuced that they parted ways.

“Father’s feel button,” wrote a fan. “Only Hardik can understand the pain of being away from son,” wrote another fan. “Happy birthday Agu baby” was also among comments.

For the last few months there were rumours that the celebrity couple Hardik-Natasa were headed for separation, and with the announcement on July 18, they officially confirmed the development.

Hardik Pandya recently played a crucial role in India winning the 2024 T20 World Cup before making himself available for the ongoing three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. He is not included in India squad for the following three-match ODI series in the island nation.

Hardik’s estraged wife Natasa, who hails from Serbia, has worked in movies. She got engaged with the cricket star in January, 2020 and the duo has a four-year son Agastya.

Recently, Natasa flew to Serbia with the couple’s son Agastya. The actor-cum-model had posted images of her Serbian sojourn. Pandya reacted on the post with a series of emojis. That gesture was well appreciated by social media users.

In a joint Instagram post on July 19, Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic wrote: “After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways. We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe that this is in the best interest for the both of us. This was a tough decision for us to make, given  the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family.

“We are blessed with Agastya, who will continue to be at the centre of both our lives and we will co-parent to ensure that we give him everything that we can for his happiness. We sincerely request your support and understanding to give us the privacy during this difficult and sensitive time. Hardik/Natasa.”

India vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I LIVE Streaming: When and where to watch© AFP