'I only care about winning trophies'; Gautam Gambhir denies report of 'crisis' in Indian team

COLOMBO: Coach Gautam Gambhir responded to online debates regarding Indian cricket going through one of its worst phases in Test cricket. Gambhir said that the team is currently going through a transition and it requires time for a new team to emerge under captain Shubman Gill.

Gambhir made it clear in a press conference ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka that there is no need to worry about rankings or external criticism and that the main aim is to establish a team worth chasing titles.

“I don't think about criticism. My job is to win trophies. That's what I believe in and what I care about. That's what makes me different from others. Views and likes don't matter.

There will be ups and downs in cricket. You have to have faith in the players and give them more opportunities. Don't take decisions based on the performance of one or two matches. We are trying to field the best bowling line-up. Gambhir clarified.

Gambhir also suggested that a Three-Test series is better than a two-match series. He said that a team that loses the first Test will have a better chance to bounce back in the three-match series.

"A three-Test series is the best. We know how to manage players' fitness and rest. We train and give rest to the bowlers. A three-Test series is preferable so that if we lose the first Test, we have a chance to bounce back.” Gambhir added.

After Gambhir took over as coach, the Test team underwent major changes. Virat Kohli, R. Ashwin and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket. The series defeats against New Zealand, South Africa and Australia also led to severe criticism of the team and the coach.