New Delhi: While India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh beginning Saturday is not part of the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, head coach Gautam Gambhir believes the match holds significant value as the team prepares for a crucial stretch of Test cricket in the months ahead.
India will next travel to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series before taking on New Zealand in a challenging away assignment. Currently placed sixth in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 48.15 from nine Tests, India faces a demanding road to qualification. Nevertheless, Gambhir remains optimistic about the team’s prospects.
“As long as we have a chance to qualify for the World Test Championship final, we will continue to believe,” Gambhir said. “We know the quality of players we have and the hunger within this group. There is no reason to think we cannot win the World Test Championship.”
The coach acknowledged that every team goes through difficult phases but stressed that India’s talent and determination give them every reason to remain confident.
Support for Pink Ball in Light-Affected Tests
Gambhir also backed discussions around using the pink ball in Test matches where poor light threatens to reduce playing time. He said that if both teams agree and it helps produce a result, the move would be a practical solution.
“It would be unfortunate if a Test match, especially one with major championship implications, loses valuable playing time because of fading light. If using the pink ball can help ensure a fair contest, it is a positive step,” he said.
Sai Sudharsan Deserves More Opportunities at No. 3
With Virat Kohli having stepped away from Test cricket and Shubman Gill moving to the No. 4 position, India continues to search for a long-term solution at No. 3. The primary contenders for the role against Afghanistan are Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal.
Gambhir, however, made it clear that Sudharsan deserves a longer run in the side. The young left-hander has scored 302 runs in six Tests, including two half-centuries and a highest score of 87.
“To be honest, Sai Sudharsan has not had enough opportunities at No. 3. He started his Test career in England, which is one of the toughest places to bat. He has recently shown excellent form and deserves more chances,” Gambhir said.
While praising Padikkal’s performances, including a productive domestic season, Gambhir emphasized that team selection requires patience and that every player would get a fair opportunity when the time is right.
Expressing confidence in Sudharsan’s abilities, the coach concluded that the youngster possesses world-class potential and is capable of making a strong impact for India in the longer format.
