India has begun preparations for a crucial two-match Test against Sri Lanka, which starts on August 15 in Galle. With Valuable World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake, coach Gautam Gambhir has made it clear that preparation, discipline and commitment will be the biggest factors in India’s success. The series comes at an important stage of the WTC cycle, with India placed at 5th position in the WTC standings & Sri Lanka at 6th, making every Test and every session vital in the race to reach the final.
We know what’s in front of us- Gautam Gambhir
Addressing the squad before the series, Gautam Gambhir reminded every player about the responsibility of representing India and the importance of being fully prepared before stepping onto the field.
“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.”
The India coach explained that the hard work must be completed before the first Test begins so that the team is ready for every situation during the match. He further added,
”Come 15th morning, whether we are batting first or 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,”
 Gautam Gambhir praises Saransh Jain & Auqib Nabi
The Sri Lanka tour also marks a memorable moment for two uncapped players, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi, who earned their maiden Test call-ups after outstanding domestic performances.
Welcoming Saransh into the squad, Gautam Gambhir said,
”Congratulations. You ‘ve worked extremely hard to be here. Make sure that you make you family and your country proud whenever you get that opportunity.”
Speaking about Auqib Nabi, Gautam Gambhir added,
” You had a phenomenal last season and helped Jammu & Kashmir win the Ranji Trophy. That is a great achievement. Congratulations once again.’,Â
Stern test for India
The two-match series against Sri Lanka will be India’s first major World Test Championship assignment after their one-off Test victory over Afghanistan (*not a part of the ICC WTC 2025-27 cycle). With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable due to injury, the responsibility on the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna & Auqib Nabi (*replacement) & Gurnoor Brar becomes even greater.
The pitches are assumed to be spin-friendly for both Tests, as India’s batters would be tested, and sticking to basics would be key after a horrendous 5-0 defeat against Kiwis in 2024 (*3-0) & Proteas (*2-0) in 2025 in home conditions.
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