India vs Sri Lanka Tests: Coach Gambhir says focus is on winning 2nd Test, not on WTC

In his prime as an opener, Gautam Gambhir loved the scent of a battle and drew inspiration from it. The same combative streak lingers in his second avatar as the coach.

Speaking to the media at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground here on Saturday (August 22), Gambhir was asked about criticism. The former India star was quick with his riposte: “I am here to win trophies!” Later, he added: “People in the press-box and commentators know that we are going through transition.”

Looking ahead to the second Test commencing on Sunday, Gambhir said: “Even if you score 1,000 runs, you still have to get 20 wickets; that’s how you win matches. So be it three left-arm spinners or an off-spinner or three seamers, we will take a call on what is the best team suited for this surface, it is about the team and the results.”

Praise for Padikkal, Suthar

Praising Devdutt Padikkal and Manav Suthar for their success in the first Test, Gambhir said: “It is encouraging to see them step up and perform straight away but then again we should not judge on just one or two performances. There will be ups and downs and we all know cricket is tough.”

The coach did not reveal if there would be a swap between Kuldeep Yadav and Saransh Jain, but he did tell about his chats with the former: “I want Kuldeep to just try and bowl good spells rather than looking desperate to take a wicket.”

Refusing to be drawn into a discussion over India’s chances in the ICC World Test Championship, Gambhir said the immediate focus is on the second Test. And as for players breaking down with injuries, he said: “We had a discussion; we want our best players to play as much cricket as possible.”

Three-Test series format ‘ideal’

Earlier, Gambhir backed the three-Test series format, terming it as ideal.

“A three-Test series gives a chance to a team that has lost the first Test to make a comeback and win the series.”

“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.”