Gambhir backs three-Test series format as ideal

India's national coach Gautam Gambhir on Saturday, August 22, 2026, told reporters at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo that he regarded a three-Test series format as ideal.

The India team is training ahead of the upcoming second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The match is the second Test of a two-match series. India lead the series 1-0 after a comprehensive 165-run victory in the opening Test at the Galle International Stadium.

Gambhir said: "A three-Test series gives a chance to a team that has lost the first Test to make a comeback and win the series."

Gambhir said: "You cannot do that in a two-Test series as the team that lost the first Test, at best, can only draw the series. Remember, it happened with India once after losing the first Test against Australia, the team could still make a comeback."

The second Test of the two-match series will begin on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. Published - August 22, 2026 02:48 pm IST