# Gambhir says job is to win trophies not likes

2026-08-22T16:36:31+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets (3 source reports)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed criticism of the Test side's recent performances ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, saying his focus is on winning trophies, not on views or likes. "My job is to win trophies. That's all I believe in and care for. That is the difference between me and everyone. I don't care about views or likes," he said. India are in a transition phase following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin. Shubman Gill leads the side, while Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 and 44 in the Galle Test win. Gambhir said the team needs a longer rope and advocated for three-match Test series. India lead the two-match series 1-0 after a 165-run win.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

m9.news led with a sensationalist headline framing Gambhir's comments as a 'brutal reply to haters', while NDTV's coverage treated them as a straightforward coach's press conference. Both sources agree Gambhir rejected criticism and focused on trophies. The measured take: Gambhir is managing expectations during a known transition, but results against Australia and New Zealand remain a concern. Watch how the new-look India performs in Colombo.

## Coverage

Coverage: 3 sources, 1 neutral, 1 sensationalist
- m9.news (sensationalist) <https://www.m9.news/sports/gautam-gambhir-india-test-team-transition-message/>
  Headline uses 'brutal reply to haters', drama-first framing
- sports.ndtv.com (neutral report) <https://sports.ndtv.com/sri-lanka-vs-india-2026/rankings-dont-matter-job-is-to-win-trophies-gautam-gambhir-delivers-blunt-verdict-11944248>
  Straight reporting of press conference, no editorial spin
- sports.ndtv.com (2) <https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/gautam-gambhir-sends-strong-message-on-kuldeep-yadavs-future-ahead-of-second-sri-lanka-test-11945847#publisher=newsstand>

This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources. Last updated 2026-08-22T20:41:10+00:00.

Tags: Devdutt Padikkal, Gautam Gambhir, India cricket team, Shubman Gill, Sri Lanka
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