Indian Cricket Team’s Morale at a Low Point?

In a gripping encounter that ended in a dramatic tie, the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka, held at the Premadasa Stadium on August 2, 2024, has cast a shadow over the Indian cricket team’s recent performances. This match, which concluded in a nail-biting draw, highlighted some troubling signs for the Indian team, marking one of their slowest and lowest performances since their T20 International World Cup victory.

Sri Lanka set a challenging target of 230 runs for India. In response, Indian captain Rohit Sharma played a key role with a solid innings of 58 runs off 47 balls. Despite Sharma’s efforts, the team struggled to accelerate their scoring rate. Former captain Virat Kohli contributed a steady but slow 24 runs off 32 balls, and his innings, characterized by a lower strike rate, has been a focal point of criticism.

The tension reached its peak in the final overs when Arshdeep Singh, tasked with scoring just 1 run off 14 balls, was dismissed LBW (leg before wicket). This crucial dismissal proved pivotal, preventing India from chasing down the target and contributing to the overall sense of disappointment.

The drawn match, coming on the back of a series of lackluster performances, raises concerns about the current state of the Indian team’s morale and form. Post their T20 International World Cup triumph, the team had shown considerable promise, but recent matches have exposed vulnerabilities and inconsistent performances. The tie against Sri Lanka is seen as a setback, especially given the expectations following their World Cup success.

Team India’s performance in this ODI has been described as one of their slowest and lowest in recent memory, prompting debates about their preparation, strategy, and mental resilience. As the series continues, there will be a keen focus on how the team responds to this challenge and whether they can reinvigorate their form and confidence.

The second ODI promises to be crucial, not only for the series standings but also for the morale of the Indian team. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that the team can bounce back and demonstrate the resilience and skill that have become their hallmark.

India Clinches T20I Series with Victory Over Sri Lanka

July 29, 2024 — India continued their impressive performance in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, securing a decisive win in the second match of the series. With this victory, India has now won both of the first two matches, putting them in an unassailable position ahead of the final T20I.

In the second T20I held on July 29, 2024, India demonstrated a commanding all-round performance. After winning the toss, India opted to bat first, setting a formidable target of 175 runs. The top-order batsmen played with flair and precision, with contributions from both experienced and emerging players. The standout performance came from [Indian Batsman’s Name], who scored a dazzling 68 runs off just 45 balls, providing the team with the necessary momentum.

Sri Lanka, in response, struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. The visitors were restricted to 148 runs, falling short of the target by 27 runs. India’s bowlers maintained tight lines and executed their plans effectively, with [Indian Bowler’s Name] being particularly impactful, taking 4 wickets for 32 runs.

With this win, India has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, having won both the first and second T20I matches. The final T20I is scheduled to be played on July 30, 2024, where Sri Lanka will be looking to salvage some pride and avoid a series whitewash.

The series victory highlights India’s growing strength and depth in T20 cricket, providing a significant boost as they prepare for upcoming international challenges. The final match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to what has already been an exciting series.

Stay tuned for more updates and match reports as India and Sri Lanka battle it out in the final T20I.

Team India squad for 3T20Is & 3ODIs Srilanka Tour

India’s tour of Sri Lanka, 2024

Team India squad for 3 T20Is & 3 ODIs announced

The Men’s Selection Committee on Thursday announced India’s squads for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj. 

ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

Note: The BCCI will continue to monitor player availability and participation in the upcoming domestic cricket season, 2024-25.

Team India will play three T20Is and as many ODIs in the series. The T20I leg of the series, which will take place in Pallekele, kicks off on July 27th and concludes on July 30th. The ODIs will be played in Colombo, starting August 02.

India’s tour of Sri Lanka, 2024
S. No.Day & DateTimeMatchVenue
1Saturday27-Jul-2407.00 PM IST1st T20IPICS, Pallekele
2Sunday28-Jul-2407.00 PM IST2nd T20IPICS, Pallekele
3Tuesday30-Jul-2407.00 PM IST3rd T20IPICS, Pallekele
4Friday2-Aug-2402.30 PM IST1st ODIRPICS, Colombo
5Sunday4-Aug-2402.30 PM IST2nd ODIRPICS, Colombo
6Wednesday7-Aug-2402.30 PM IST3rd ODIRPICS, Colombo

Source- BCCI Website

K Srikkanth Upset with Gautam Gambhir’s U-turn on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Krishnamachari Srikkanth has taken Gautam Gambhir to task over what he calls a “U-Turn” regarding senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Gambhir, who is now India’s Head Coach, previously suggested that if these senior players did not perform well in the T20 World Cup 2024, they might be left out of the team.

However, Gambhir’s recent comments seem to contradict his earlier stance. He now says that having players like Rohit and Kohli for as long as possible would be ideal, even hoping they could play in the 2027 World Cup if they stay fit.

Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel “Cheeky Cheeka,” pointed out this shift. He noted that Gambhir’s current view is that both players have plenty of cricket left in them, which seems to be at odds with his previous position.

Srikkanth also mentioned that while Kohli, with his fitness, might make it to the next ODI World Cup, it would be challenging for Rohit, who is 37 and would be 40 by the 2027 World Cup. Srikkanth compared this to players like MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, who were exceptional in their later years.

During the discussion, Srikkanth’s son, Anirudha, disagreed with his father’s strong criticism of Gambhir’s comments. Anirudha suggested giving Gambhir some leeway in this situation.

Rohit Sharma and Team not happy with Gautam Gambhir?

In a surprising development just ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, the Indian cricket team lead by Rohit Sharma in ODI and Surya Kumar in T20 has voiced significant concerns regarding Gautam Gambhir’s role as Head Coach. Sources close to the team reveal that there have been growing tensions and dissatisfaction among players and support staff regarding Gambhir’s coaching methods and strategies. Rohit Sharma and team not happy with BCCI decision of appointing Gautam Gambhir as Team India Head Coach.

The discontent has raised questions about the future of Gambhir’s tenure and its impact on the team’s performance. With the Sri Lanka tour fast approaching, this issue could potentially disrupt the team’s preparations and focus.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to address the concerns soon, but for now, the team’s harmony and readiness for the upcoming series remain in question.

Will Indian team be able to perform with the same form they were able to win T20 International ICC world cup 2024?

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

Hardik Pandya Removed as Captain of Indian Cricket team inT20 International

In a significant development, Hardik Pandya has been removed as the T20 International captain of the Indian cricket team, a decision influenced by evolving leadership dynamics under the new Indian Head Coach Gautam Gambhir. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the decision ahead of the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, citing strategic recalibration and team restructuring.

Gautam Gambhir, who recently assumed the role of Indian Head Coach, reportedly expressed reservations about Pandya’s captaincy and advocated for a change in leadership direction. Gambhir, known for his assertive approach, has appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20 International captain, highlighting his confidence in Yadav’s leadership abilities and on-field acumen.

For One Day Internationals (ODIs), Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the team, reaffirming his pivotal role in the squad’s strategic planning and match execution. Notably, Virat Kohli has been specially requested by Gambhir to make himself available for the ODI matches scheduled during the Sri Lanka tour, underscoring Gambhir’s strategic vision and emphasis on experienced leadership in critical matches.

The decision to replace Pandya as T20 captain comes amidst discussions within the BCCI and cricketing circles about enhancing team performance across formats. Pandya, known for his dynamic contributions as an all-rounder, remains an integral part of the Indian team’s lineup, focusing on his prowess in batting and bowling in future matches.

The BCCI is expected to provide further updates on the leadership structure of the Indian cricket team as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.

GAUTAM GAMBHIR CONTROVERTIAL NEW HEAD COACH TEAM INDIA?

Amidst a tumultuous period for Indian cricket, Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach is stirring comparisons to the controversial tenure of Greg Chappell, who coached India from 2005 to 2007. Chappell faced criticism for his management style, perceived interference in team selection, and strained relationships with senior players, notably Sourav Ganguly. His tenure culminated in India’s disappointing early exit from the 2007 Cricket World Cup, intensifying scrutiny and public criticism.

Comparisons to Chappell have fueled rumors that “Team India is not positive” about Gambhir’s leadership. Speculation centers on concerns over his coaching approach, communication style, and handling of player relationships, echoing past critiques of Chappell’s tenure.

These discussions come amidst retirements of key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20 Internationals, along with Hardik Pandya’s absence from the Sri Lankan tour, marking significant changes for the team. The potential for Shubman Gill’s captaincy and challenges faced by the BCCI in meeting Gambhir’s demands further add to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s current situation.

In cricketing circles, parallels to Chappell raise questions about potential disconnects between Gambhir and the team, crucial for maintaining cohesion and performance. The success of any coach hinges on tactical acumen, player trust, managing egos, and fostering a supportive environment.

As the cricket fraternity watches closely, the true impact of Gambhir’s leadership will unfold through team performance and reactions from players and officials, offering insights into his coaching effectiveness and the team’s trajectory amidst these pivotal changes.

P