The three-match T20I series between India and Sri Lanka is set to get underway on July 27 at the Pallekele International Stadium. This is the first series of Gautam Gambhir as head coach of the Indian cricket team. Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid who parted ways with the team following a win in the T20 World Cup 2024. The series will mark India's preparation for the title defence in the 2026 T20 World Cup.The India squad for the series had a few surprises in store. Hardik Pandya was the front-runner to become India captain after the retirement of Rohit Sharma. He was also the vice-captain during the T20 World Cup, however, when the squad was announced, BCCI named Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain. This did come as a bit of a surprise as Hardik is far more experienced than Suryakumar Yadav in terms of leadership. Later, it was revealed that Hardik Pandya's fitness was a concern for the selectors and coach which is why Suryaumar Yadav was named the captain of the side. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar also labeled Suryakumar Yadav as the most deserving candidate for T20I leadership.“Suryakumar Yadav was made the captain, because he is one of the most deserving candidates. We have been getting the feedbacks from the dressing room. He has got great cricket brain, he is one of the best T20 batters in the world, and the one who is likely to play all the games. Surya has got the necessary quality that you need to succeed as a captain,” said Agarkar.Things such as a sudden change in leadership could create an unpleasant dressing room environment, something that was seen in the Mumbai Indians dressing room as well when Hardik Pandya was named the captain after MI removed Rohit Sharma, however, there was no such visible animosity between players, including Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, when they stepped out for practice ahead of the first T20I. In a video posted by the BCCI, the players enjoyed a fielding session with coach T Dilip. The players looked in a joyful mood as they geared up to face the Sri Lankan challenge. Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir's reaction to the players' bond was a pure delight for fans. Gambhir sported a big smile as he watched Team India train ahead of the first T20I.