Table of Contents
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has dismissed the criticism surrounding the team's recent Test performances, insisting that the side is not struggling and that rankings are not his primary concern. He stressed that India are going through a transition but remain focused on playing their best cricket.
Gautam Gambhir made the comments ahead of India's second Test against Sri Lanka, which will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27. India head into the match with a 1-0 lead after a convincing 165-run victory in the opening Test in Galle.
We are not struggling, rankings don’t matter - Gautam Gambhir on India's Test performance
India's Test team has faced scrutiny following poor performance at home and the changes taking place in the squad. However, Gautam Gambhir insisted that the team is moving in the right direction and that the focus remains on giving India's best players regular opportunities.
"We have had discussion about everything. We want our best players to play regular cricket. If we can field our best players then it's good for the team," he said.
Gambhir also played down the importance of India's position in the ICC Test rankings, arguing that the team is currently going through a period of transition.
"We are not struggling, rankings don’t matter. We are going through transition. There will be blips, but we have been playing consistent cricket since England," Gautam Gambhir stated at the pre-match press conference.
India's win in Galle has also provided a significant boost to their World Test Championship campaign. Devdutt Padikkal's 167 and 44, along with Manav Suthar's 10-wicket match haul, helped India secure a 165-run win and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
India's current position in ICC Test Rankings and WTC Points Table
India currently sit fourth in the ICC Test team rankings with a rating of 104. Their position in the World Test Championship table has also improved following the Galle victory. India moved up to fifth place with a points percentage of 53.33, having won five of their 10 Tests in the current WTC cycle. Sri Lanka are sixth with a points percentage of 33.33.
The result was particularly important for India after their 0-2 series defeat to South Africa. With five Tests still remaining against Australia, as well as one against Sri Lanka and two against New Zealand, every result will be crucial in their bid to qualify for the 2027 WTC Final.
"My job is to win trophies, not views and likes": Gautam Gambhir opens up on chats with Ajit Agarkar
Gautam Gambhir also addressed the noise surrounding Indian cricket and made it clear that his focus remains on winning trophies rather than responding to outside opinions.
"My job is to win trophies, not views and likes," the India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir stated.
When asked about his conversations with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and what the duo discuss, Gambhir chose not to reveal details. He stated:
"I wish I could tell. It’s only about how we want to move forward with Indian cricket."
The head coach was also pleased with the immediate impact made by Devdutt Padikkal and Manav Suthar in Galle. Padikkal was named Player of the Match after scoring 211 runs across the two innings, while Suthar claimed 10 wickets on his way to a match-winning performance. Gautam Gambhir said:
"Extremely satisfying, work to be done. Good for Indian cricket that delivered straight away. Judging players on one match not fair."
Also Read: Ajit Agarkar accused of treating Rishabh Pant poorly: 'Why was he removed as Test vice-captain?'
