Indian cricket is set to embark on a new era under Suryakumar Yadav and new head coach Gautam Gambhir on Saturday with the start of IND vs SL series.
Both Suryakumar and Gambhir share a strong bond since Kolkata Knight Riders days as they played together in 2014 for the franchise.
Suryakumar, known for his aggressive batting and innovative shots, described his relationship with Gambhir as both special and strong.
“This relationship is special because in 2014 I played under him in KKR. It was special because from there only I got opportunities. The relationship is still strong.
“He (Gambhir) knows how I work, what is my mindset when I come to practice sessions. I also know how he tries to work as a coach. It`s all about the lovely relationship we have and very excited to see how it goes forward,” the Mumbai batter said.
By his own admission, Suryakumar wants to remain humble and grounded while leading the side on the field as he looks at cricket just as a sport, not life.
“I think most important thing what I have learned from this sport is how humble you are after achieving or even after not doing well. I have learned when you do something on the ground you have to leave it on the ground,” he said.
“This is not your life, this is just a part of your life. So you can`t be when you are doing well you stay on the top and when you are not doing well, you are underground.
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IND vs SL 1st T20I live updates: Squads
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Asitha Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe
India: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube
IND vs SL 1st T20I live updates: Probable Playing XIs
Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh/Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando
IND vs SL 1st T20I live updates: Toss update
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first.
IND vs SL 1st T20I live updates: Confirmed Playing XIs
India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
7:10 PM: 13/0 (1)
A short ball on the hips, Jaiswal takes advantage and sends it over short fine leg. He then taps one to mid-on for a single. An over-pitched ball on off, Gill drives it straight to extra cover. Another four runs! A shorter ball outside off, Gill cuts it through backward point for a boundary.