Gambhir says India will have 'every answer' for Sri Lanka Tests starting August 15
India head coach Gautam Gambhir told the squad in Colombo that his side will be ready for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka that begins on August 15, saying the team will have "every answer" when the series starts. He made the remarks in a short address to the players before a practice session and in a video shared by the BCCI on social media.
Gambhir acknowledged that India’s recent home Test results had not met expectations but said the side understands the task ahead and its objectives for the tour. He stressed preparation and discipline in his remarks to the group and referenced the team’s immediate focus on the upcoming matches. The series will also represent India’s first ICC World Test Championship assignment since the 0-2 home defeat to South Africa in December last year.
Addressing the squad, Gambhir set out the immediate mindset he wanted from the players, saying: "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." He followed with a further directive about readiness for the start of the series, adding: "Come 15th morning (August 15), whether we are batting first, whether we are bowling first, we're absolutely ready with every answer, every question that's thrown at us, and every answer we are ready to give. So make sure we tick all the boxes from now on."
Gambhir formally introduced two newcomers to the touring group during the address, starting with Saransh Jain. He noted Saransh's selection was earned by a run of consistent performances for Madhya Pradesh and referred to him as a 33-year-old late bloomer, saying: "We've got a couple of new guys in. To start with, Saransh, congratulations. You've worked extremely hard to be here." He urged Saransh to make his family and country proud when given the opportunity: "Make sure that you make your family and your country proud, whenever you get that opportunity."
The coach also spoke about Auqib Nabi, who has been added to the squad to replace an injured Jasprit Bumrah. Gambhir referenced Nabi's contribution to Jammu & Kashmir's success, saying Nabi "had a phenomenal last season, made J&K win the Ranji Trophy, which is a great achievement. Congratulations once again." The original report described Nabi as having "played a stellar role in J&K's maiden title-winning run in Ranji Trophy last season."
Gambhir's remarks were captured in a BCCI video released on social media and were delivered ahead of the team’s practice session in Colombo. The address combined team instruction with individual welcomes for the two incoming players and underlined selection reasons provided by the coaching staff.
The two-Test series opens in Galle on August 15, with the second Test scheduled to be played in Colombo from August 23.
