WATCH: Gautam Gambhir’s heartfelt welcome for India’s newcomers ahead of Sri Lanka Test series

With preparations underway for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the entire squad with an inspiring dressing-room speech. The former India opener welcomed the team’s newest members, congratulated them on their domestic success, and reminded the squad of the responsibility that comes with representing the country. The heartfelt interaction, captured on video, has quickly gained attention among fans ahead of India’s first Test in Galle.

Gautam Gambhir welcomes India’s newcomers with inspiring message

Before the training session began, Gambhir introduced the new additions to the squad, including all-rounder Saransh Jain and Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, both of whom earned their maiden India call-ups following outstanding domestic performances. He also welcomed new fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh to the support staff. Addressing Saransh, Gambhir praised the all-rounder’s journey and encouraged him to embrace the opportunity.

The India head coach then turned his attention to Nabi, who joined the squad as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement after an exceptional domestic season that saw him finish as the leading wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy and help Jammu & Kashmir lift their maiden title.

“We’ve got a couple of new guys in. To start with, Saransh, congratulations. You’ve worked extremely hard to be here. Make sure that you make your family and your country proud whenever you get that opportunity. Secondly, I want to congratulate Auqib. You had a phenomenal last season and made Jammu & Kashmir win the Ranji Trophy, which is a great achievement. Congratulations once again,” Gambhir said as the rest of the squad applauded.

Gambhir also welcomed new fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh, expressing confidence that his experience and energy would strengthen the team’s standards in the field.

Here’s the video:

The focus shifts to Test Cricket 🏏

Welcoming new additions to the squad as #TeamIndia begin the preparations in Colombo 🏟️

WATCH 🎥🔽 #SLvIND https://t.co/Q2IvHhneDA

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 6, 2026

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India shift focus to crucial Sri Lanka Test series

After welcoming the newcomers, Gambhir reminded the players about the importance of the upcoming series, with valuable World Test Championship points on offer. He urged the squad to make the most of every training session and ensure they were fully prepared before the opening Test.

“We know what’s in front of us. We know what we are playing for. We can do the volume, we can push our limits, and we can tick all the boxes. Come the 15th morning, whether we are batting first or bowling first, we’re absolutely ready with every answer to every question that’s thrown at us,” Gambhir told the players.

India head into the Sri Lanka tour aiming to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship standings after a mixed start to the 2025-27 cycle. The spin department will feature experienced campaigners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav alongside left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, while Saransh provides another all-round spin option for the conditions expected in Sri Lanka. The opening Test between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle, with Gambhir hoping his side can carry the intensity from the training ground into an important overseas assignment.

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