Gautam Gambhir comes down hard on Indian team after series loss; no training opt outs despite Diwali ahead of Mumbai Test

As reported by Indian Express, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has come down hard on the team following their series loss to New Zealand. He has made it clear that no players will be allowed to skip training, even with Diwali around the corner, as they prepare for the crucial Mumbai Test.

After the embarrassing loss, all players must attend two practice sessions before the third Test starting on November 1. Previously, training was optional a day before a Test to help players stay fresh, but that will no longer be the case following the unexpected series defeat. Senior players often skipped training or opted for lighter sessions, but this time, everyone is required to participate fully.

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“The team management has asked the players to be present for two days of practice on October 30 and 31. It’s compulsory and no one can skip it,” a source informed Indian Express.

With the upcoming match being crucial for India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final, full practice sessions are now mandatory, and players are expected to put in maximum effort.

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Meanwhile, Test captain Rohit Sharma, accompanied by Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, drove down to Mumbai to be with their families. Most of the other Indian players, along with the support staff, are scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on the 27th. The players will be given a two-day break during which they can rest and continue their regular training routines.

India must win 4 out of their next 6 Test matches to secure a spot in the WTC final.

The final third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai is extremely important for India. Although they have already lost the series, their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final are still on the line. To stay in contention, India must win this match.

Next month, India will face Australia in a five-match Test series. Including the Mumbai Test, India now has six crucial games ahead. To keep their hopes of reaching the WTC final alive, they will need to win at least four of these matches.

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