Gambhir demands high standards as India prepare for crucial Sri Lanka Test series

COLOMBO: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has outlined the high standards he expects from his players as they prepare for a challenging two-Test series against Sri Lanka later this month.

India's youthful squad will face their Asian rivals in Galle and Colombo, with Gambhir urging his players to be fully prepared for every challenge and adapt to any situation they encounter during the series.

Speaking in a video shared by the BCCI, Gambhir stressed the importance of thorough preparation ahead of India's latest assignment in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

"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, we can tick all the boxes," Gambhir said.

"Come the morning of August 15, whether we are batting first or bowling first, we're absolutely ready with every answer to every question that's thrown at us. So make sure we tick all the boxes from now on."

The series marks India's first World Test Championship assignment since their disappointing home series defeat to South Africa late last year.

Since then, India have responded with victory in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June, but they will be keen to secure a series win in Sri Lanka to boost their hopes of reaching next year's World Test Championship Final at The Oval.

India currently occupy fifth place in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 48.15, behind Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Bangladesh.

The visitors have named a squad blending experienced campaigners with emerging talent, including two uncapped players.

Following Jasprit Bumrah's injury, fast bowler Auqib Nabi has earned his maiden Test call-up after an outstanding Ranji Trophy season in which he claimed 60 wickets and helped Jammu & Kashmir win their first-ever title.

Also receiving his first Test call-up is 33-year-old all-rounder Saransh Jain, who has been rewarded for his consistent performances with both bat and ball for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket.

Welcoming the newcomers, Gambhir praised their hard work and encouraged them to make the most of their opportunities.

"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 helped J&K win the Ranji Trophy, which is a great achievement. Congratulations once again."

India squad for Sri Lanka Tests: Shubman Gill (c), KL Rahul (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan (subject to fitness), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi.

Series schedule:

• First Test: August 15-19, Galle
• Second Test: August 23-27, Colombo