India brace for start of new era under Gambhir, Suryakumar against Sri Lanka

Pallekele, July 26: In the past few years, India’s tour of Sri Lanka has generally been low-key affairs. But this time around, the script has changed as India brace themselves up for the start of a new era when they take on Sri Lanka in the opening match of the three-match T20I series here on Saturday.Following their T20 World Cup triumph in June, India saw Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retire from the format on a high, while Rahul Dravid and his formidable coaching staff (barring T. Dilip) also bid adieu. Now under a new captain in Suryakumar Yadav and a new head coach in Gautam Gambhir, India are formally kick-starting their next era.On the other hand, Sri Lanka are also venturing into a new era, with Charith Asalanka as captain and Sanath Jayasuriya being the interim coach. Though they lost Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara before the start of the series, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka are also capable of doing good things as fast bowlers.