The beginning of Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as the head coach of Team India has not been quite spectacular. Following a lackluster performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, where the team managed to secure victory in the T20 series but faced defeat in ODIs, the upcoming series hold immense significance for him. Recently, the schedule for the much-anticipated Test series against England has also been announced, indicating Team India’s fixtures for approximately the next year. Within this timeframe, the Indian team is set to play a total of 16 Test matches.
First Test Series Against Bangladesh: A Crucial Test for Gambhir
Currently, Team India is enjoying a long break, but their next challenge is just around the corner. They will face Bangladesh in a Test series hosted on home soil. The series kicks off on September 19, and will consist of two Test matches. The first match will take place from September 19 to 23 in Chennai, while the second Test will be held in Kanpur from September 27 to October 1. This series marks the beginning of Gambhir’s crucial assessments as the head coach.
Next Challenge: New Zealand Awaits
After the Bangladesh series, Team India will host New Zealand for a Test series comprising three matches, starting October 16. The first Test will be played in Bengaluru from October 16 to 20, followed by the second Test in Pune from October 24 to 28. The third and final Test will be held in Mumbai from November 1 to 5. This series will further test Gambhir’s strategies and the team’s performance as they gear up for the more significant challenges ahead.
Gambhir’s Ultimate Test in Australia
Perhaps the most daunting challenge for Gambhir will come at the end of this year when Team India travels to Australia for the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This series will feature five Test matches, including a Day-Night Test, and commences on November 22, continuing into the New Year. The venues for this exciting series include major Australian cricketing cities such as Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, presenting a significant test for Gambhir’s coaching capabilities and the team’s resilience.
Future Test Series Against England
Looking ahead, Team India is scheduled to play its first Test series of the next year in England, comprising five matches. The first Test is set to begin on June 20 in Leeds, while the final match will conclude on July 31. During this series, the Indian team will also play in prominent cricketing venues including Birmingham, Lord’s, and Manchester. Additionally, if Team India reaches the final of the World Test Championship 2023-25, that crucial match will precede this series, adding more pressure on Gambhir and his squad.
Upcoming Schedule Overview
| Opponent | Test Dates | Location | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | September 19 – October 1 | Chennai & Kanpur | 2 |
| New Zealand | October 16 – November 5 | Bengaluru, Pune & Mumbai | 3 |
| Australia | November 22 – January (next year) | Various cities in Australia | 5 |
| England | June 20 – July 31 | Leeds, Birmingham, Lord’s & Manchester | 5 |
With this extensive schedule ahead, the coming months will be crucial for Coach Gambhir to showcase his coaching prowess and lead Team India to success on various international stages. The challenges are substantial, but they also present opportunities for growth and excellence in Indian cricket.
