We can dominate Test cricket for years: Gambhir gives clear message after England draw
After India's gritty 2-2 draw vs England, Gautam Gambhir urges focus on hard work and culture, believing the team can dominate Test cricket for years.
New Delhi: India head coach Gautam Gambhir couldn't have asked for a more fitting start to the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Following India's gritty 2-2 draw in the five-match Test series against England, Gambhir delivered a powerful message to his player inside the dressing room. He didn't focus on the result of the series but also on building a lasting team culture rooted in effort, discipline and improvement.
In a video shared by the BCCI, Gambhir praised the team's character and reminded them of the bigger picture. He said, "The way this series has panned out, 2-2, is an outstanding result. Congratulations to everyone. Remember, we will keep getting better. We will keep working hard. We will keep improving our areas because if we keep doing that, we can dominate cricket for a very long time.”
Creating culture, not just chasing runs
Gambhir who is known for his no-nonsense approach both on and off the field underlined the importance of a healthy team culture something he believes should outlast individuals. He added, "People will come and go but the culture of the dressing room should always be like that people want to be a part of this culture. That is what we want to create.”
India came into the England series under pressure having lost back-to-back Test series to New Zealand and Australia. The series was a tough one especially with a young squad led by Shubman Gill but rather than wilt the group stood tall till the last wicket.
Washington Sundar named Impact Player
Among the many standout performers throughout the series Washington Sundar received the 'Impact Player of the Series' award. The trophy was handed to him by Ravindra Jadeja in the post-series team huddle. Washington featured in four of the five Tests and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
He said, "It is a great blessing to be playing four games on the trot in a place like England. I always wanted to do well here and as a team, just the way we went about every single day, it was amazing. The energy that we created, especially from a fielding perspective we were always there for each other. Thank you so much for everything."
Looking ahead
Gambhir signed off his speech by giving the squad a few days off, acknowledging the toll of a long and intense 25 day series. "Good luck, enjoy yourself. You can take a couple of days off and you deserve every bit of it. What you guys have achieved, you deserve every bit of it.”
With England behind them in the WTC points table and a clear message from their head coach, this young Indian Test team looks like it's stepping into a new era- one built not around individuals but around purpose.