Reports: Head coach Gautam Gambhir requests seniors to participate in the ODI series against Sri Lanka

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has named Gautam Gambhir as the senior men’s team’s head coach. Many rumours have been circulating in the media ever since his appointment.

Most recently, another report surfaced, according to which the head coach has allegedly asked the star batting duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as well as frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah, to participate in the ODI series for the forthcoming tour to Sri Lanka.

During the tour, India will play three 50-over matches against the Lankan Lions, with the first match taking place on August 2. The remaining two games are planned for August 04 and 07, respectively. R. Premdasa Stadium in Colombo will host all of the ODI leg’s events.

Gautam Gambhir appeal is reportedly motivated by the knowledge that the Indian team will have a lengthy vacation following the island nation tour before the home series against Bangladesh kicks off in September, according to News18 CricketNext.

The Men in Blue could be captained by Rohit Sharma for the first time following his title-winning T20 World Cup 2024, dispelling earlier rumours that KL Rahul will be the skipper. The roster for the Sri Lankan tour is anticipated to be confirmed soon.

Speaking of captaincy, Hardik Pandya will likely head the team in the T20I leg, with Suryakumar Yadav likely to follow. Given that he would be playing the three Twenty20 Internationals, the story further suggests that Pandya has told the BCCI of his inability to participate in the 50-over series for personal reasons.

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Sanju Samson, a batter and wicketkeeper, will be named the tour’s official stumper. The selectors are not inclined to choose Rishabh Pant since they want him to be ready for the Bangladesh series and the busy schedule that lies ahead. However, rumours will come to a stop soon as the team is selected.