Gambhir's message for India ahead of Sri Lanka Test series
Gautam Gambhir has outlined the level of commitment and effort he expects from every India player ahead of the crucial Test series with Sri Lanka.
India coach Gautam Gambhir has revealed the standards he expects from his side as they prepare for a challenging two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
India’s young squad will play two Tests against their Asian rival and Gambhir has stressed the importance of being prepared for every challenge, urging his players to adapt to whatever comes their way.
“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.” Gambhir told the BCCI.
“Come 15th morning (August 15), whether we are batting first, whether we are bowling first, we're absolutely ready with every answer, every question that’s thrown at us, and every answer we are ready to give. So make sure we tick all the boxes from now on.”
This series marks India's first ICC World Test Championship assignment since their disapponting home defeat to South Africa late last year.
Since then, India have bounced back with a victory in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June, but the team will be eager to secure a series win in Sri Lanka to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship Final at The Oval next year.
India currently sit fifth on the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 48.15, trailing Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.
India's squad for the series features a mix of promising young talent and a couple of new faces.
Following Jasprit Bumrah's injury, pacer Auqib Nabi earned his maiden Test call-up after a stellar Ranji Trophy campaign, claiming an impressive 60 wickets to help Jammu & Kashmir secure their maiden title.
Joining him is 33-year-old all-rounder Saransh Jain, who has also received his first Test call-up after consistently delivering with both bat and ball for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit.
“We’ve got a couple of new guys in," Gambhir commenced.
"To start with, Saransh, congratulations. You’ve worked extremely hard to be here.
"Make sure that you make your family and your country proud, whenever you get that opportunity.
"Secondly, I want to congratulate Auqib. You had a phenomenal last season, made J&K win the Ranji Trophy, which is a great achievement. Congratulations once again."
India squad: Shubman Gill (c), KL Rahul (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan (fitness pending), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi
Series schedule:
First Test: August 15-19, Galle
Second Test: August 23-27, Colombo