Our batting unit has so much quality that it can take on any spin unit – Gautam Gambhir ahead of opening Test against Bangladesh

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is optimistic of a good show from India’s potent batting unit in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Gambhir said their batting unit has the quality to take on any spin unit.

Meanwhile, Indian batters have struggled to put on big numbers in the last three years, averaging 33.40 in 17 Test matches since 2021. Furthermore, Indian batters had stumbled against the Sri Lankan spinners in the ODI series, which Rohit Sharma’s team lost by 2-0. However, Gambhir feels there is a lot of difference between Test and ODI cricket.

India has experienced batters like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja whereas they also have youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel.

“Our batting unit has so much quality that it can take on any spin unit. There is a lot of difference between ODIs and Tests. It’s all about the mindset and working and strengthening your defence and once you have it, then you play around it,” Gambhir told the media on the eve of the opening Test.

“They have a very good bowling attack. Shakib (Al Hasan) has got the experience. Mahidi (Hasan) is there as well. So, we know that there is talent in Bangladesh. The important thing is that we need to be switched on from day one,” he added.

Gambhir also lauded India’s bowling battery, calling it the best in the world. 

“You’ve got to give credit to (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja. They’re turning this nation into a bowling-obsessed one.

The former Indian opener showered praise on India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who will make a return to International cricket after T20 World Cup triumph.

“Bumrah is the best bowler in the world. It’s not just his performance. It’s his hunger as well. And the best part is that he wants to play as much Test cricket as he can. It is not even a luxury. He can make a difference at any stage of the game. So yes, hopefully, he can do the same in this series and going forward as well,” said Gambhir.

The opening Test match between India and Bangladesh will be played at the Chepauk Stadium, Chennai from September 19.