Gautam Gambhir holds fiery meeting with support staff at Lord's as Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant skip training

The pitch for the third Test between India and England at Lord’s has become a major talking point, sparking plenty of intrigue from players and experts alike. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having an intense discussion with his support staff while analyzing the surface for the Test match.

India secured a resounding 336-run win over England at Edgbaston – their first-ever Test victory at the venue. The Shubman Gill-led team will enter the third Test with confidence and momentum. With the series level at 1-1, the upcoming match, scheduled from July 10 to 14 at Lord’s, is important for both teams.

Gautam Gambhir, Support Staff, Analyze Pitch Ahead of Lord’s Test

With only a short three-day break between Tests, India had an optional training session on Tuesday. The surface was officially unveiled during the session and drew attention from the Indian team management.

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Gautam Gambhir was seen having a detailed and intense discussion with his coaching staff. According to a Times of India report, the surface appeared “lush and green,” which could favor seam bowlers. Gautam Gambhir's India may adapt their approach to take full advantage of any support on offer for their pace attack.

"The intensity of the chat, combined with the visibly green top, suggests that India's strategy may revolve around exploiting any assistance for their quicks," the report read.

Also Read: England Playing 11 vs India- 3rd Test, India Tour of England 2025

Will Get a Clearer Picture After Grass Is Trimmed - Sitanshu Kotak

Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of the third Test at Lord’s. Kotak admitted that the conditions are likely to favor fast bowlers. He noted that the pitch’s true nature will be clearer once the grass is trimmed.

"Pitch is very green. We will get an idea after they cut the grass tomorrow. Can expect help for bowlers… mindset will be key for the batters," Kotak said.

"Indian batters are very skilled. Without doing anything extra, they are scoring close to four," he added.

Several Key Players Skip India’s Optional Training Session Ahead of Lord’s Test

Key players, including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, were absent from India’s optional training session on Tuesday. The group had only arrived in London the previous day after traveling from Birmingham.

Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return to the playing XI after being rested for the second Test. According to a RevSportz report, Bumrah bowled at full intensity for 45 minutes in the nets, followed by a strategic conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir before heading to batting practice.

Bumrah has taken 42 wickets in England at an average of 26.47, including three five-wicket hauls. His return is likely to strengthen India’s pace attack. Akash Deep and Siraj shared 16 wickets at Edgbaston, including six with the new ball. On a green Lord’s pitch, the trio could pose serious problems for England.

Also Read: IND vs ENG Head-to-Head Records- 3rd Test, India Tour of England 2025