Gautam Gambhir defends India's Test team ahead of second Test in Colombo
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 7:18 AM
Last updated Aug 23, 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.
- 7:18 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Rankings do not matter, we are not struggling’: Gautam Gambhir unfazed by India’s Test run
- 2:38 PMYahoo Sports — 'Rankings do not matter': Under fire Gautam Gambhir says India 'not struggling' in Tests
"India coach Gautam Gambhir desires more three-Test series for team recovery. He believes longer series allow teams to rebound after initial defeats. Gambhir remains unfazed by recent Test match results since July 2024. Discussions with Ajit Agarkar focus on future cricket direction and progress. Rankings are not a concern as the team plays reasonable Test cricket.
"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.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 23, 2026, 7:18 AM‘Rankings do not matter, we are not struggling’: Gautam Gambhir unfazed by India’s Test run
India coach Gautam Gambhir desires more three-Test series for team recovery. He believes longer series allow teams to rebound after initial defeats. Gambhir remains unfazed by recent Test match results since July 2024. Discussions with Ajit Agarkar focus on future cricket direction and progress. Rankings are not a concern as the team plays reasonable Test cricket.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 2:38 PM'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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