As India gear up for their first Test assignment of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, all eyes are on the fresh-looking squad set to face England in a challenging away tour. With senior pros Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin now retired, the spotlight has shifted to a younger core, many of whom have not much Test cricket or are yet to make their debut.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir, in a powerful speech shared on bcci.tv, acknowledged the absence of experienced players but flipped the narrative on its head. He urged the squad to embrace the opportunity rather than dwell on what’s missing.
With Shubman Gill leading the side for the first time in Test cricket, and Rishabh Pant serving as his deputy, it surely is a dawn of a new era for Indian Test cricket.
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Gambhir Gambhir Fires Up Indian Players with Motivational Speech
The absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have collectively played over 300 Tests, leaves a massive experience gap. But Gambhir challenged the players to lean into that discomfort and use it as fuel.
Gambhir wants his players to see this as an opportunity to do something special for their country. Notably, India last won a Test series in England in 2007.
"Guys, all I want to say is, there are two ways to look at this tour. One is, 'We are without our three most experienced players', the other is, 'We have got this phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country'. When I look around this group, I see the hunger, the passion, and the committment to do something special," Gambhir said as quoted in a video released on bcci.tv.
"We make sacrifices, if we come out of our comfort zone, if we start fighting, not every day, but every session, every hour, and every ball, I think we can have a memorable tour. So, make sure that we start that from today only," he added.
He then turned his attention to two players, Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, who will likely receive their maiden Test caps on the tour.
Sudharsan's call-up follows a string of consistent performances across formats, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and India A tours.
For Arshdeep, this is a fresh chapter in his career. The left-arm pacer has already impressed with the white ball, and now gets a chance to adapt to the longer format, having previously played county cricket in England.
"First Test calls are always very special, so I want to welcome Sai (Sudharsan), who had a fabulous last three months. Make sure you have a very very successful red-ball career. I want to welcome Arshdeep (Singh), you've been phenomenal with white ball cricket, I am sure, with a red-ball in your hand, you will make it count," Gambhir stated.
Gambhir also hailed Karun Nair, who has returned to the Test squad after nearly seven years in the wilderness. Once hailed as India’s next big Test hope after his famous triple century in 2016, Nair faded away quietly. His return now is a story of persistence.
"Guys, lastly, comebacks are never easy. Someone who made a comeback after 7 years. Had a phenomenal last year, the amount of runs you scored. Most importantly, that never die attitude, never giving up attitude got you in the team. That is something which is inspiring for this entire group."
Before closing, he acknowledged two new figures in the team's leadership group. Gill has replaced Rohit as India’s Test skipper, while Pant has taken over the role of a vice-captain.
"I want to congratulate Shubman as well. There is no bigger honour in the country to lead your Test team. Congratulations. Rishabh as well, who is part of the leadership group now. Well done," Gambhir concluded.
India to Play Practice Match Before Headingley Test
Before the red-ball series officially begins, the Indian team will play a warm-up game against India A, starting June on June 13 in Beckenham. For the team management, it is a crucial chance to finalise the playing XI. Gambhir has also told the curator at the Beckenham ground to prepare a competitive pitch.
From there, it’s straight to Headingley, where the series-opener is scheduled to begin from June 20.
