Mumbai, July 22 (HS). After a press conference in Mumbai on Monday, the Indian cricket team left for Sri Lanka, where the team will play a three-match T20 and then a three-match ODI series. The three T20 matches will be played on 27, 28 and 30 July, followed by a three-match ODI series, which will start on August 1.

The Pallekele International Stadium will host the T20I leg of the series, while the R Premadasa will host the 50-over matches. Ahead of the start of the tour, India's newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir believes he has a huge responsibility to shoulder as he is taking over the role of people like Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri.

Gambhir said in the press conference, “The most important thing is that they will always support me. My goal is to make the dressing room happy and safe. I am leading a very successful team, which is the runner-up of the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup and the T20 champion. I have a big responsibility and I am excited about it.”

Gambhir will be supported by his KKR teammates Abhishek Nayar, who will play the role of the team's assistant coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate, who will join the support staff.

Gambhir said, “I have worked closely with Abhishek and Ryan over the last two months in the IPL with KKR. Both of them are thorough professionals and hope to have a successful stint with the Indian team as coaches.”

Nair played three ODIs for India and won multiple Ranji Trophy titles with Mumbai during his first-class career that spanned over 100 games. Even as an active player, Nair mentored Dinesh Karthik and helped him make an international comeback. Nair has previously served as the head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League.

On the other hand, Ten Doeschate is currently associated with the Los Angeles Knight Riders as an assistant coach in the ongoing Major League Cricket.