India head coach Gautam Gambhir made it clear that the team’s focus is firmly on rebuilding its World Test Championship campaign as India prepares for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh.
While the match is not part of the current WTC cycle, Gambhir views it as an important step in shaping India’s plans for the months ahead.
Gambhir Rejects ‘Transition Phase’ Narrative
Speaking before the Test, Gambhir strongly pushed back against suggestions that India are still going through a transition period.
According to the coach, the major transition already happened during the England phase and the current squad simply consists of younger players gaining experience at the international level.
He pointed out that inconsistency is natural when young cricketers are learning at the highest level. However, he also admitted that recent defeats, especially against South Africa, have hurt India’s position in the World Test Championship standings.
India currently finds itself outside the top positions in the WTC table, making the remaining matches crucial.
Afghanistan Test Seen as Preparation for Bigger Challenges
Although the Afghanistan Test is a standalone fixture, the Indian team management is treating it seriously.
Gambhir emphasized that Test cricket was important even before the World Test Championship was introduced and there is no reason to view this match differently.
The coaching staff believes every red-ball match now plays a role in improving the team’s chances of qualifying for the next WTC final.
As a result, there will be little rest for regular Test players despite the demanding IPL season that ended only days ago.
Search Begins for India’s Fourth Spinner
One of the biggest objectives of this Test is identifying an additional spin option for future tours.
With veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja being rested, the team management is evaluating young left-arm spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar.
India is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka later this year for a two-Test series, where spin-friendly conditions are expected.
Gambhir hinted that the spinner selected for this Afghanistan Test could become India’s fourth spin option behind Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.
Better Test Preparation Now a Priority
The Indian team management has repeatedly highlighted scheduling concerns between white-ball and red-ball cricket.
Captain Shubman Gill recently suggested that teams should receive at least 15 days to prepare for major Test assignments.
India will have adequate preparation time before the Sri Lanka series. However, the situation becomes more challenging later in the year when a tour of New Zealand follows immediately after a packed ODI schedule.
Gambhir revealed that the team may need to release some multi-format players early from white-ball commitments to help them adjust to Test cricket.
The coach admitted India’s red-ball preparation was not ideal before recent series against the West Indies and South Africa. Therefore, improving preparation standards has become a major focus going forward.
Team Management Backing Sai Sudharsan at No. 3
Gambhir also backed young batter Sai Sudharsan despite questions surrounding his Test performances.
The coach stressed that players need time to establish themselves and should not be judged after only a handful of matches.
He highlighted Sudharsan’s strong IPL season, where he scored over 700 runs, as evidence of his quality.
At the same time, Gambhir assured that Devdutt Padikkal remains in the team’s plans and will receive opportunities when his turn comes.
Bigger Picture Remains WTC Qualification
For India, the Afghanistan Test is about much more than a single result.
The match offers a chance to test new combinations, identify backup options and strengthen the squad before crucial overseas assignments.
With nine World Test Championship matches still remaining, Gambhir and Gill are focused on ensuring India returns to winning ways and revives its hopes of reaching another WTC final.