Gambhir backs India’s Test batting ahead of key series

India coach Gautam Gambhir said the team is nearing a settled Test batting lineup and that victories in the coming series against New Zealand and Australia would give it the best chance of reaching the World Test Championship final. His assessments come ahead of two major Test assignments, though the lineup and qualification outcome remain undecided. Gambhir described Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as established openers and pointed to Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel as young players making progress. He also said India has settled options at No. 4 and No. 5. In his view, Test teams benefit from keeping a stable batting order across conditions, while allowing for occasional changes when needed. The coach said India’s batting must provide enough runs for its bowling attack to take 20 wickets, including in New Zealand. He stressed that players need technique to adapt to different conditions and enough time to establish themselves, rather than being moved in and out of the side frequently. Whether India can maintain a consistent lineup through the upcoming tours has yet to be established.