Gautam Gambhir defends India's Test team ahead of second Test in Colombo
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 2:38 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
India leads 1-0 in the Test series against Sri Lanka going into the second Test in Colombo. Head coach Gautam Gambhir asserted that the team's recent performances should be viewed as part of a transition period following the retirements of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Despite their 165-run win in Galle, India has faced criticism for their Test form, having lost two home Test series and currently ranking fifth in the World Test Championship. Gambhir emphasized his focus on winning tournaments instead of worrying about rankings. Ahead of the match, he indicated that team selection would hinge on fielding the strongest bowling attack to take 20 wickets.
- •India leads the Test series 1-0 after a win in Galle.
- •Gautam Gambhir highlighted a transition following key player retirements.
- •India currently ranks fifth in the World Test Championship.
- •Gambhir focuses on winning tournaments, not rankings.
- •Bowling attack selection will be crucial for the second Test.
- 2:38 PMYahoo Sports — 'Rankings do not matter': Under fire Gautam Gambhir says India 'not struggling' in Tests
"India go into the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo with a 1-0 lead after their 165-run win in Galle. But the series has also kept the focus on a team that is trying to build a new Test side after the departure of some of its biggest names.
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