We are not afraid of anyone, but we respect everyone: Gautam Gambhir

With major players back, there is a tangible sense of excitement as India prepares to play in whites for the first time in seven months. Gautam Gambhir has taken charge after the team won the World T20 championship in June under Rahul Dravid, and he has laid out the preparations in advance of the Bangladesh Test series.

In a media appearance on the eve of the Chennai Test, Gambhir astutely refuted the notion that India should be afraid of any opponent by speaking about India’s respect for all participating nations. The former international believed that they concentrate on their game, which eventually yields the best outcomes, rather than the opposition.

“I really believe that we should respect everyone instead of being afraid of them. Bangladesh is in the same situation.

On the eve of the Chennai Test, Gautam Gambhir addressed a press conference, saying, “We play the game we know, without looking at the opposition”

Bangladesh is full of confidence going into the series after thrashing Pakistan in a two-match Test series on the road. Although Gambhir appreciated their recent success, he thinks every new series offers an opportunity to do even better. When playing in India, Bangladesh’s skilled spin attack would be useful, but the hosts also have excellent opponents and would want to make good use of them.

“I commend Bangladesh for their actions in Pakistan. However, they are a quality side and this is a new series. We wish to play competitive cricket. Indeed, they have experience with Mehdi Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mushfiqur Rahim, but we want to be fully committed from the first ball, said Gambhir.

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On November 19, India will play their first Test match at the storied MA Chidambaram. A three-match Twenty20 International series will come after the second Test, which will be held at Kanpur’s Green Park.