India Squad for Sri Lanka tour: Gambhir to meet selectors amid speculations of extended break for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Gautam Gambhir is all set to assume the role of head coach of the Indian cricket team for their upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, set to commence on July 27. It is anticipated that Gambhir will meet with selectors this week to deliberate over the T20I and ODI squads for the Sri Lanka tour. Following India's victorious 4-1 tour of Zimbabwe under captain Shubman Gill, attention now shifts to the Sri Lanka assignment beginning on July 27. Several key players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant were rested for the Zimbabwe series, post their successful campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024.

According to reports, Hardik Pandya is likely to captain the team in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, with Suryakumar Yadav expected to serve as vice-captain. Noteworthy members from India's T20 World Cup-winning squad, including Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh, are likely contenders for selection. Conversely, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant may not return to the squad for this series.

The T20I series, comprising three matches, kicks off on July 27 and concludes on July 30, followed by the ODI series starting on August 2. There is speculation surrounding the potential return of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is, for the upcoming ODI series next month.

This series also marks the commencement of Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of Team India. Gambhir's coaching approach presents a marked contrast to Rahul Dravid, who opted not to extend his tenure beyond the recent T20 World Cup. Observers are keen to see how Gambhir collaborates with ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma, as well as other senior figures like Virat Kohli.