'Gautam Sir Made It Clear In Team Meetings': India Batter Reveals Gambhir's Message For 'Long' Tour

News cricket 'Gautam Sir Made It Clear In Team Meetings': India Batter Reveals Gambhir's Message For 'Long' Tour

'Gautam Sir Made It Clear In Team Meetings': India Batter Reveals Gambhir's Message For 'Long' Tour

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Last Updated: October 29, 2026, 10:28 IST

Despite a packed schedule and little time to adjust to New Zealand conditions, Tilak Varma stated Indian team wants to set high standards for youngsters.

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Gautam Gambhir (left) having a chat with Tilak Varma. (BCCI Photo)

Four days after finishing a home series against West Indies, Indian players found themselves in New Zealand taking them on in the first T20I. Adjusting to different climates and playing conditions needs mental, physical and technical adjustment, which in turn takes a little time.

However, the Indian team didn’t have the luxury of time as they had to hit the ground running. And it’s a reality they’ve been living for some time now in a crowded cricket calendar.

While the challenge is immense, the team, according to Tilak Varma, has accepted it and wants to set standards for the upcoming generation.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir told his players that the team’s performance in the ongoing New Zealand T20I series will set the tone for the remainder of the ‘long tour‘ that also includes five ODIs and two Tests.

“At this level, we cannot make excuses. We are at the highest level, and we need to set standards for the youngsters who look up to us," Tilak told reporters ahead of the 4th T20I. “Gautam sir (head coach Gautam Gambhir) made it clear in team meetings that this is a long tour and the standard we set as a T20 side will provide momentum for the ODI and Test squads."

India’s tour has started on a positive note, with the tourists taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. The next target is a clean sweep.

“We are thinking this is a great opportunity to achieve a clean sweep. The next goal is to win the upcoming match and give the Indian crowd a great chance to witness a 5–0 series win," Tilak said.

India have produced three breathtaking chases to seal the fate of the series in their favour against a New Zealand team that has also endured fitness concerns, with a couple of their leading pacers being ruled out from the remaining two matches.

The fourth T20I will be played at Eden Park on Friday.

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Quick Answers Powered by Ask News18 What message did head coach Gautam Gambhir share with the Indian team regarding the New Zealand tour? Head coach Gautam Gambhir stressed in team meetings that the long tour requires high standards, stating that their performance in the T20I series will set the momentum and tone for the subsequent ODI and Test squads. What is India's current standing in the T20I series against New Zealand? India has taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series and is aiming for a clean sweep to secure a 5-0 victory. Which matches are included in India's extended tour of New Zealand besides the T20I series? The multi-format tour of New Zealand also features five ODIs and two Test matches. Powered by Ask News18

About the Author Feroz Khan Principal Correspondent Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience ... Read More

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First Published: October 29, 2026, 10:28 IST

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