India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir looked in high spirits ahead of the third T20I against Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. The match, held at the Pallekele International Stadium, faced a delayed start due to rain, leading to some light-hearted moments on the field. Among these was a notable interaction between Gambhir and the Indian T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, captured just before the toss.
The camaraderie between Gambhir and Yadav was evident as they shared smiles and laughs, with a video of their interaction quickly going viral. This bond traces back to their days at Kolkata Knight Riders, where Gambhir was the captain and Yadav served as the vice-captain. Gambhir’s influence extended beyond their franchise days, as he reportedly advocated for Yadav’s appointment as the T20I captain over Hardik Pandya, who had served as vice-captain during the T20 World Cup 2024.
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Under their leadership, India has enjoyed a successful start, having already secured the three-match T20I series with wins in the first two games, giving them an unassailable 2-0 lead. The first match saw India excel with both bat and ball, posting a formidable 213 runs and then restricting Sri Lanka to secure a 43-run victory.
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In the second game, India’s bowlers limited Sri Lanka to 161 runs, and despite a rain-revised target, India chased down the required 78 runs in just 6.3 overs. However, the third T20I proved more challenging for India. Their batting lineup struggled against the Sri Lankan bowlers, with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal for 10 runs setting a precarious tone.
India found themselves in deep trouble at 48/5. Nevertheless, Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag provided some stability with a 54-run partnership, scoring 39 and 26 runs, respectively. Washington Sundar also chipped in with a crucial 25 runs, helping India reach a modest total of 137 runs.
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Sri Lanka’s bowlers were dominant, with Maheesh Theekshana taking three wickets and Wanindu Hasaranga adding two more to the tally. As the game progressed, India aimed to defend their low total and achieve a series whitewash, while Sri Lanka sought to salvage some pride by avoiding a clean sweep.
In this context, Gambhir’s light-hearted moment with Yadav before the match reflects not only their strong rapport but also the positive and resilient spirit within the Indian camp, even amid on-field challenges.
