SL vs IND 2024: Hardik Pandya hugs newly-appointed T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav amid speculations of rift

The newly-appointed T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav received a warm hug from star all-rounder Hardik Pandya as Team India arrived in Sri Lanka for their upcoming series. This gesture has not only dismissed rumors of a rift between the two players but also set a positive tone for the team's upcoming series.

The Indian cricket team landed in Sri Lanka on Monday, gearing up for a packed schedule of three T20Is and three ODIs against the island nation. The series marks a significant transition in Indian cricket, with Yadav stepping into the role of T20I captain, succeeding the recently retired Rohit Sharma. This appointment came as a surprise to many, as Pandya was widely considered the frontrunner for the position.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir conducts first practice session as Team India head coach in Sri Lanka

Adding to the air of change surrounding the team, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has officially taken charge as Team India's head coach. Gambhir wasted no time in getting to work, conducting the first practice session in Sri Lanka on Tuesday. 

Sharma and Virat Kohli have made themselves available for the three-match ODIs with Shubman Gill being named vice-captain for both formats. 

Also read: Skipper Suryakumar Yadav steps out on Pallekele field ahead of T20Is against Sri Lanka

The first T20I will be held on July 27, followed by games on July 28 and 30. All the matches will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The ODIs will be held on August 2, 4, and 7 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The combination of Yadav's captaincy and Gambhir's coaching marks the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket. Both the players have been part of the Kolkata Knight Riders dressing room. While the role at that time was different, with Gambhir leading KKR and Yadav playing as a batter, currently the duo has a different role. However, their goal is same - to take Indian cricket forward.

India squad vs Sri Lanka T20Is

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.