Don't take Sri Lanka lightly, stay in shape: Gambhir bids T20I team goodbye from New Zealand

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged his players to stay fit and continue improving during their month-long break from T20I cricket after India wrapped up a successful five-match series against New Zealand.

India clinched the series 3-2 despite losing the final two matches in New Zealand. The visitors had made a flying start, winning the first three games to seal the contest before the hosts fought back to finish on a high.

Addressing the players in the dressing room after the fifth T20I, Gambhir praised the team's efforts, particularly given the limited preparation time and the challenges of playing in unfamiliar conditions.

"You can be extremely proud of the effort that you guys have put in throughout the series. Winning the series, especially when you had just one day to prepare and were playing against a quality team like New Zealand in their own backyard, is a terrific achievement. You should be extremely proud," Gambhir told the players in the dressing room. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam)

India's campaign was not without its challenges. Ishan Kishan missed two matches due to an injury concern, while the bowling attack had a relatively inexperienced look, with Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav making their first appearances in New Zealand.

Despite those setbacks, India managed to establish control early in the series and secure an important away victory. Gambhir also reminded the players that their job was to set the tone for the rest of India's tour of New Zealand.

"You can go back with your heads held high. We wanted to win the last two games as well, but sometimes these things happen. I thought you guys have set the tone for the rest of the tour. Before the start of the series, I said that you had the responsibility to set the tone. Now, it is up to the ODI and Test teams to continue from where you have left off," he said.GAMBHIR'S MESSAGE FOR THE BREAK

With the New Zealand T20I series behind them, India's next assignment in the format will come in December, when they host Sri Lanka for a three-match series.

The players will have roughly a month away from international T20 cricket. However, Gambhir was clear that the break should not mean a dip in fitness or preparation.

"We know that we don't play enough T20 cricket, and we've got a month off now. So, make sure we stay in shape and prepare well for Sri Lanka," he said.

The India coach also stressed the need for the squad to keep improving rather than become complacent after a series victory.

"We can't take any opposition lightly. We have to continue growing as a team, thinking as a team and playing as a team," Gambhir added.

India will now turn their attention to the upcoming ODI and Test assignments against New Zealand, with the T20I group set to regroup ahead of the Sri Lanka series in December.- Ends