Gautam Gambhir slammed his critics and sent a blunt message to them during the press conference before the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka. Gambhir said that he is not bothered by likes or views, and that his job is to win trophies. Gambhir’s performance as head coach has been under intense scrutiny since he took over the charge. India have excelled in white-ball cricket under him but struggled in red-ball cricket. “My job is to win trophies. That’s all I believe in. That is the difference between me and everyone. I don’t care about views or likes,” Gambhir said.

In 2025, India won the Champions Trophy under Gambhir’s coaching. A year later, India defeated New Zealand in the final of the 2026 T20 World Cup to win their second white-ball ICC trophy under Gambhir.

However, they have struggled in Tests and only managed series wins against Bangladesh and West Indies at home. In 2024, New Zealand whitewashed India 3-0. A year later, South Africa whitewashed India 2-0.

Gamhir added that Team India is undergoing a transition phase and there will be ups and downs. “I am sure that people sitting in the press box and in the commentary box know that we are going through a transition. There will be ups and downs. But we know that wherever we are getting it right,” he said.

India kicked off the series with a big 165-run win in Galle and lead the series 1-0. The visitors negated the spin threat and put on a big total of 462 in their first innings. Devdutt Padikkal slammed a century and scored 167 off 230 balls.

Manav Suthar took a four-fer as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284. India followed up with a score of 193, thus setting a target of 372. Suthar took a six-fer in the second innings as India bowled out SL for 206 to register a 165-run win.