Gambhir Reunites with Support Staff for India's Sri Lanka Tour

Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate join India's coaching team for the Sri Lanka tour, starting July 27. Morne Morkel is a front-runner for bowling coach. The series includes three ODIs and T20Is, marking the new coaching set-up's debut in Indian colors.

Former Indian all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and ex-Netherlands star Ryan Ten Doeschate will join India's support staff as assistant coaches for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, set to commence on July 27. According to ESPNCricinfo, the duo will reunite with Gautam Gambhir, who was recently named head coach of India after leading the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL 2024 championship.

Morne Morkel, the former South African pacer, has been considered for the role of India's bowling coach, replacing Paras Mhambrey. Morkel has previously collaborated with Gambhir in the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants and the SA20 team Durban Super Giants, where Gambhir served as a global mentor. Vinay Kumar is another candidate for the role, but Morkel is the leading choice, says ESPNCricinfo.

The revamped coaching set-up will debut during the white-ball series against Sri Lanka, featuring three ODIs and T20Is. Nayar, 40, who has played three ODIs for India and won multiple Ranji Trophy titles with Mumbai, also mentored Dinesh Karthik for a late-career resurgence. Nayar and Doeschate have significant coaching stints with KKR and its sister franchises, enhancing their track record and experience.