Gautam Gambhir Hits Back at Critics Over India’s Test Form

India are currently ranked No. 4 in the ICC Test rankings and sit at No. 5 in the World Test Championship standings. However, Gambhir believes the numbers do not tell the complete story.

The former India opener said the team is currently going through a transition following the Test retirements of several experienced players.

“My Job Is to Win Trophies Not Views and Likes”

Gambhir gave an answer when asked about criticism around India team’s recent Test performances.

“My job is to win trophies not views and likes " Gambhir said at a pre‑match press conference.

India coach made it clear that outside criticism does not change his approach. According to Gambhir India team’s main focus is on making decisions and building a successful future for India cricket.

Since Gambhir became head coach India has seen changes in its Test team. Experienced stars Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli all retired from Test cricket forcing management to build a side.

Gambhir says India team is in a transition phase.

Despite India struggles, including home series whitewashes and missing previous WTC final Gambhir does not think India team is in crisis.

“We are not struggling much " Gambhir said, adding that rankings are not the only way to judge India team’s progress.

Gambhir admitted that there will be ups and downs during a transition period but believes India team has played consistent Test cricket since the England tour.

The Shubman Gill‑led India team defeated Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle to take a 1‑0 lead in the two‑match series.

However India road to World Test Championship final remains difficult. India team reportedly needs to win six of its remaining eight Tests to strengthen chances of reaching final at The Oval.

Tough challenges await India.

India faces a Test schedule, including an away series against New Zealand and a major home series against Australia.

Under Gambhir India team has yet to win a Test series against England, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. New Zealand and South Africa won series in India while India lost the Border‑Gavaskar Trophy to Australia. The Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy against England ended in a 2‑2 draw.

These results have increased pressure on Gambhir. India coach remains confident about India team’s direction.

Gambhir on his talks with Ajit Agarkar.

Gambhir was also asked about his conversations with chief selector Ajit Agarkar during Test matches.While he did not reveal details Gambhir said discussions are mainly focused on India cricket and decisions needed to help India team move forward.

The coach stressed that management and selectors are working together to decide what is best for India cricket’s future. With India leading the Sri Lanka series 1‑0 after victory in Galle focus now shifts to the Test in Colombo.

As criticism around India Test form continues Gautam Gambhir has made one thing clear. He is not interested in winning the social media battle. For Gambhir the ultimate goal remains winning trophies and helping India cricket successfully navigate its transition period.