Head coach Gautam Gambhir has told India’s players to leave nothing to chance as they prepare for the Test series in Sri Lanka, which starts in Galle on August 15.
A message from the coach
The squad arrived in Sri Lanka earlier this week and will play a three-day warm-up match before the first Test. In a video released by the BCCI, Gambhir said the players know what they are playing for and should push their limits and tick every box, so that whether India bat or bowl first, they have answers for each situation. He asked them to finish every part of their preparation from now on.
Points at stake in the WTC
The tour is India’s next assignment in the current World Test Championship cycle, following a one-off Test win over Afghanistan. India are fifth in the standings, so an away series win would help their position as they chase a place in the 2027 final.
Two new names
Gambhir also congratulated uncapped duo Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi on their selection. Jain, an experienced Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, earned his first Test call-up after years of consistent domestic performances, and Gambhir urged him to make the most of it. Nabi, a Jammu and Kashmir seamer, replaced the injured Jasprit Bumrah after a strong Ranji Trophy campaign in which J&K won their first title.
With a mix of experienced players and new faces, India will hope to start the series well.
