Gautam Gambhir, head coach of the Indian cricket team, has dismissed claims that the team is struggling in Test cricket. Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, he emphasized that the team is currently in a transition phase. Gambhir highlighted the emergence of a new core around captain Shubman Gill, stating that the primary focus is on winning trophies rather than concerning themselves with rankings or external criticism. He remarked, “Criticism? My job is to win trophies. That’s all I believe in and care for. That is the difference between me and everyone. I don’t care about views or likes.”
Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir completely rejected suggestions that the side has been struggling in Test cricket and said that the team is currently going through a transition phase.
We will try to field the best bowling attack that can get us 20 wickets. “Ideally I would want a 3 match Test series.
However, Gambhir said that such turmoils are not uncommon in cricket. Kuldeep is a good bowler and sometimes it’s up to the captain as well,” he said. I feel a three Test series is ideal,” he said.
The Test side has gone through significant changes since Gambhir took charge. Virat Kohli , R Ashwin and Rohit Sharma all retired from the format and different results – including series losses against New Zealand, South Africa and Australia – led to massive pressure on the coach and the team. “There will be ups and downs in cricket, and we need to back our players and give them longer rope, and it’s not based on one or two matches. Gambhir also advocated for three-match Test series instead of two as in that case, a team gets a better chance of fighting back even if they lose the first contest. “Three-Test series is ideal. Short turnaround is fine, we know how to manage our bodies and recover. We give optional practices and rest bowlers. Sometimes, if you lose the first Test, the other team cannot make a comeback and the maximum they can try for a draw…”
