Gambhir Sets the Tone for India’s Test Series Against Sri Lanka

COLOMBO-India head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged the Shubman Gill-led Test squad to be mentally and physically prepared from the opening day of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning in Galle on August 15.

The Indian team began its practice session at Colombo’s NCC ground on August 5 and will play a three-day practice match at the same venue from August 7 to 9 before travelling to Galle for the first Test. The second Test will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

“Guys, we know what’s in front of us. We know what we are playing for. We can do the volume, we can push our limits, we can tick all the boxes. Come 15th morning, whether we are batting first, or whether we are bowling first, we’re absolutely ready with every answer, every question that’s thrown at us and every answer we’re ready to give. So make sure we tick all the boxes from now on,” Gambhir said in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on its official social media handles.

With India currently placed fifth in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 48.150, and Sri Lanka sixth with 41.67, the series holds significance for both teams’ positions in the ongoing cycle.

Gambhir also welcomed new entrants to the Test setup, including off-spin all-rounder Saransh Jain and pacer Auqib Nabi, and introduced Subhadeep Ghosh as the team’s fielding coach.

“Guys, welcome everyone. We’ve got a couple of new guys in. To start with, Saransh, congratulations, you’ve worked extremely hard to be here. Make sure that you make your family and country proud whenever you get that opportunity.

“Secondly, I want to congratulate Auqib, you had a phenomenal last season, and made J&K win the Ranji Trophy, which is a great achievement. Congratulations once again. Lastly, I want to welcome Joy as well.

“He’s worked with so many teams for so many years. I’m sure his passion, his commitment will carry this team forward and make sure that his energy levels will help everyone achieve the target, which we want to do,” he added. (IANS)