SportsPosted at: Nov 2 2026 5:14PM


Stay in shape and prepare well for Sri Lanka: Gambhir’s message to T20I side

Tridib Baparnash
New Delhi, Nov 2 (UNI) India head coach Gautam Gambhir wants the T20I players to make the most of their month-long break from international cricket by staying fit and continuing to work on their game, rather than allowing the gap between assignments to affect their preparation.
India may have lost the last two matches of the five-game series against New Zealand, but the visitors had done enough in the opening three encounters to clinch the series 3-2. The hosts managed to finish the contest on a positive note, but India had already achieved their primary objective by taking an unassailable lead.
Addressing the squad in the dressing room after the fifth and final T20I in Hamilton, Gambhir reflected on the team's achievement, pointing out that the players had very little time to prepare for the series and had to adjust quickly to conditions in New Zealand. He felt the effort deserved recognition, particularly against a competitive side playing at home.
“You can be extremely proud of the effort that you guys have put in throughout the series. Winning the series, especially when you had just one day to prepare and were playing against a quality team like New Zealand in their own backyard, is a terrific achievement. You should be extremely proud,” Gambhir told the players in the dressing room.
India also had to deal with a few setbacks during the tour. Ishan Kishan was forced to sit out two matches because of an injury concern, while the bowling combination lacked considerable experience in New Zealand conditions. Young pacers Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav were among those who made their first appearances in the country.
Despite these challenges, India won the first three matches to take the series beyond New Zealand’s reach.
Gambhir acknowledged that the team would have liked to complete a clean sweep, but said the players could take satisfaction from the way they had begun the tour. He also reminded them that the ODI and Test squads now had the responsibility of building on that start.
“You can go back with your heads held high. We wanted to win the last two games as well, but sometimes these things happen. I thought you guys have set the tone for the rest of the tour. Before the start of the series, I said that you had the responsibility to set the tone. Now, it is up to the ODI and Test teams to continue from where you have left off,” the former India opener said.
Stay fit, prepare well for Sri Lanka
The Indian T20I squad will not have another international assignment in the format until December, when Sri Lanka visit for a three-match series. The intervening period will give the players some time away from international competition, but Gambhir wants them to remain disciplined with their fitness and training routines.
The coach pointed out that India do not get to play enough T20 cricket during certain phases of the calendar and urged the players to use the available time to stay in shape and prepare for the next series.
“We know that we don’t play enough T20 cricket, and we’ve got a month off now. So, make sure we stay in shape and prepare well for Sri Lanka," he said.
Gambhir also made it clear that the series victory should not lead to complacency. He wants the squad to keep raising its standards, maintain a collective approach and avoid underestimating any opponent, regardless of the result of the previous assignment.
“We can't take any opposition lightly. We have to continue growing as a team, thinking as a team and playing as a team," Gambhir added.
With the T20I series concluded, India’s attention now shifts to the remaining assignments on the New Zealand tour. The ODI and Test groups will look to carry forward the momentum established by the T20I side.
The ODI series will start from November 4, with the opener set to be played at the Eden Park in Auckland.UNI TB AAB
Tags: #Stay in shape and prepare well for Sri Lanka: Gambhir’s message to T20I side
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see more..