'TO CALL SENIOR PLAYERS FOR ODI SERIES IS...': FORMER INDIA CRICKETER ENDORSES 'GAUTAM GAMBHIR ERA' AHEAD OF SRI LANKA SERIES

NEW DELHI: As the Indian cricket team prepares for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has declared that a new era has commenced under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. During an event hosted by Sony Sports Network, Ojha highlighted the importance of this change.

"The Gautam era has started, and it will be interesting to see what changes he will bring to Team India, as this is the new era of the team," Ojha was quoted as saying by ANI.

Gambhir, who took over from Rahul Dravid after India's triumphant campaign in the T20 World Cup last month, is set to embark on his first tour as the head coach. His tenure has already brought about significant changes, such as the appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain, replacing Hardik Pandya.

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The tour is scheduled to begin on July 27 with a three-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series starting on August 2.

Ojha supported the decision to include senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series, despite earlier speculations that they would be rested.

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"To call senior players for the ODI series is a good decision. You have to serve the nation, and every coach wants a good result from his starting tenure," he said.

Ojha also expressed his admiration for the newly appointed T20I skipper, Suryakumar Yadav. "I am impressed with Suryakumar Yadav. He is one of the good players, and now it has to be seen how he leads the Indian side," Ojha remarked.

The BCCI has taken a significant step by requiring senior players to participate in Ranji Trophy matches, underlining the crucial role of domestic cricket in developing successful international careers. Ojha commented on this decision, saying, "It's so sad that the BCCI had to tell them to play Ranji, but you are whatever today; it's all because of Ranji games."

As the Gambhir era unfolds, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the fresh strategies and dynamics that will emerge, setting the stage for an exciting series in Sri Lanka.