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'It Should Hurt': Gautam Gambhir Reveals His Honest Emotions Ahead Of 3rd Test

Rajgeeta Yadav

Gautam Gambhir addresses media [Source: @CricketNDTV/X.com]Gautam Gambhir addresses media [Source: @CricketNDTV/X.com]

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Team India are set to lock horns with New Zealand in the third Test against at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, starting on November 1. After losing the bac-to-back two matches, the team is under pressure to avoid a clean sweep and secure a win that is crucial for their chances in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. This series has been tough for Rohit Sharma's side as this marked the end of their 12-year streak of winning Test series at home. 

BlackCaps won the series 2-0 after a convincing victory in the Pune Test, where Mitchell Santner’s exceptional bowling led to a 113-run win. Ahead of the last and final Test, India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media and he acknowledged the hurt that the players are feeling after this unexpected defeat. 

“I’m not going to sugarcoat this,” Gambhir told reporters. “Obviously, it’s hurting. And it’s good that it’s hurting because it should hurt. Every time you lose a game, be it at home or be it away from home, it should hurt. That hurt will make us better. Sometimes people say that it should not hurt. But it should hurt," he added.

“When you’re playing for your country, what’s wrong in being in that position? The more, especially for the youngsters, it’s hurting them, I’m sure they’re going to push themselves to keep getting better. Because that is exactly what we want them to be. Pushing themselves every day to be a better cricketer. And to do something special. Because if we have results like what we had in Kanpur, then we might as well have results like this. And take that hurt and keep moving forward," he further added.

Gautam Gambhir On IPL Rentions

With the IPL retention yet to be announced today, on October 31, there’s a chance players might be distracted. However, Gambhir assured fans that the team's focus remains solely on the upcoming Test match. 

"Doesn’t bother me one bit (IPL retention),” he said. “I think it’s about Indian cricket tomorrow, I think it’s about the Test match that’s coming up tomorrow.”

The stakes are high as India looks to solidify its position in the WTC standings. A win in this match is essential not only for pride but also for their chances to qualify for the finals at Lord’s next June. Currently, India sit at the top, but they must secure victory in this match and perform well in future games to keep their dreams alive.