Gambhir’s bold statement before India vs Bangladesh series

A day before India face Bangladesh in their first Test at Chennai, head coach Gautam Gambhir touched upon various issues as the team is up for a long season.

Some important takeaways from the Indian coach’s press conference

Coach Gautam Gambhir on Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant will be making a comeback to the longest format against Bangladesh for the first time since his accident in December 2022 and coach Gambhir lauded his skills, especially behind the stumps.

“We all know how destructive he can be and what he has done. Not many of his age has done it across conditions. With batting and behind the stumps he has been phenomenal. His batting overshadows his keeping especially against the spinners,” he said.

Gautam Gambhir on batters struggle against spin

HE defended his batting unit when questions were asked over their discomfort against spin in the Sri Lankan ODI series where the Lankan took 27 wickets in the 3-match series, handing India a 0-2 defeat.

“Our batting unit has so much quality that it can take on any spin unit. There is a lot of difference between ODIs and Tests. It’s all about the mindset and working and strengthening your defense and once you have it, then you play around it,” Gambhir said

Gambhir on Bangladesh

The head coach was aware about the threat that Bangladesh possess with the quality spin attack they are a unit positively brimming in confidence after Bangladesh defeated Pakistan recently . Gambhir congratulated the Bangla Tigers and stressed that they will not take the visitors lightly.

“I congratulate them for what they did in Pakistan. But this is a new series and they are a quality side and we want to play good cricket. Yes they have experience in Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mehidy but we want to be switched on from ball 1,” he said.

“I have been big believer that we don’t fear anyone but we respect everyone. It is the same with Bangladesh. We don’t look at the opposition and play the game we know,” he added.

Gambhir on Jaspreet Bumrah

“You’ve got to give credit to Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja. They’re turning this nation into a bowling obsessed one. In fact, Bumrah is the best bowler in the world. It’s not just his performance. It’s his hunger as well. And the best part is that he wants to play as much Test cricket as he can. It is not even a luxury. He can make a difference at any stage of the game. So yes, hopefully, he can do the same in this series and going forward as well,” he said.

Gambhir On Tests lasting three days

“There has been a lot of talk on this. But when India go to South Africa and Test ends in 2 days nobody talks about it. When fast bowlers get enough help nobody talks about it. This debate has to end. You can’t say Tests get over in India in two days… then opposition have to learn to play spinners,” Gambhir said.

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