India head coach addressed the void created by the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli in England and urged the young group led by Shubman Gill to come out of their comfort zone for success in the five-match Test series, that starts on June 20 in Headingly.
The series against England embarks a new era for Indian cricket with the big three missing for the first time in Test cricket. While Ashwin called time on his international career in the middle of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Kohli and Rohit bid adieu to their red-ball career within a span a four days last month.
Addressing the new-look group, Gambhir spoke about the sacrifices and commitments to do something special in England. “Guys, all I want to say is there are two ways to look at this tour. One is we are without three of our most experienced players or we have a phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country,” Gambhir said in a video released by the BCCI.
“When I look in this group, I think the hunger, the passion and the commitment to do something special…the sacrifices, I think if we play out of our comfort zone, if we start fighting, not everyday, but every session, every hour, every ball, I think we can have a memorable tour,” added the Indian head coach.
Gambhir’s special welcome for Karun Nair
Earlier, Gambhir welcomed the newcomers in the side in a team huddle, with a special mention for Karun Nair, who is making a comeback into the Indian team after eight long years.
“Comebacks are never easy. Someone who has made a comeback after seven (eight) years had a phenomenal last year,” Gambhir said. “Last year, no matter the runs you have got, and most importantly, that never-die attitude, never-giving-up attitude, that is something which has got you back into the team. That is something which is inspiring for this entire world. Welcome, Karun,” he added.
Nair was rewarded with a place in the India Test squad, after the Karnataka batter’s exceptional domestic season. The right-hander scored 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, averaging 53.93 with four centuries and two fifties in 16 innings. Nair also scored 135 in the final, thus leading his side to the title. He also slammed a double ton for India A against England Lions recently.
