India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Thursday said the team will be fully prepared for every challenge when it begins its two-Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15, despite its underwhelming run in home Tests in recent months.
Addressing the players before a practice session, Gambhir urged the squad to make the most of the preparation period and said the focus should be on being ready for any situation when the series begins.
"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 in a video shared by the BCCI on social media.
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"Come 15th morning (August 15), whether we are batting first, whether we are bowling first, we're absolutely ready with every answer, every question that's thrown at us, and every answer we are ready to give. So make sure we tick all the boxes from now on," he added.
The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15, while the second match is scheduled to begin on August 23. The series will mark India's first ICC World Test Championship assignment since its 0-2 home defeat to South Africa in December last year.
Gambhir also welcomed the two new members of the squad -- spin-bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain and pacer Auqib Nabi.
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Saransh earned his maiden India call-up after consistent performances for Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, while Nabi replaced the injured Jasprit Bumrah after playing a key role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy title-winning campaign last season.
"We've got a couple of new guys in. To start with, Saransh, congratulations. You've worked extremely hard to be here," Gambhir said.
"Make sure that you make your family and your country proud, whenever you get that opportunity."
Congratulating Nabi, Gambhir said, "Secondly, I want to congratulate Auqib. You had a phenomenal last season, made J&K win the Ranji Trophy, which is a great achievement. Congratulations once again."
(With inputs from PTI)
