“Team India’s ‘Bonding’ Exercise Attracts Criticism from Former Players”

Team India achieved a 3-0 clean sweep against Sri Lanka in a T20 series, marking the start of a new era under head coach Gautam Gambhir. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team clinched the series finale in a Super Over in Pallekele. Following the series win, Suryakumar revealed that since the start of the T20 World Cup, players have been encouraged to sit together as a team rather than in smaller groups.

“We don’t sit together as a team just for fun when we win a game or a series. This trend started during the World Cup, where regardless of the result or performance, we always sat together as a team. We decided not to sit in groups of 2 or 3 but always as a team. This leads to better bonding between the players and reflects on the ground. It also builds friendship and the ability to support each other,” Suryakumar told Sony Sports Network.

Former India cricketers Ajay Jadeja and Ashish Nehra reacted to Suryakumar’s comments with some surprise. Jadeja insisted that such ‘bonding’ activities should occur naturally in a team environment rather than being a forced change.

“This is what you expect in a team sport. I’m surprised that players are talking about this today and that it’s considered a change to not sit in small groups. I don’t know, did previous teams not sit together? The captain mentioned bringing this change, although it’s something old,” Jadeja told Sony Sports.

Nehra echoed Jadeja’s sentiments and questioned why this practice wasn’t implemented earlier. “Didn’t he say this change happened during the World Cup? That was only a month ago. I’m not doubting him, but I’m surprised this has only started now,” Nehra commented.

After their T20I series victory, India is set to face Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series.