Gambhir’s suggestion came despite India leading the ongoing two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has firmly advocated for a minimum three-Test format, arguing that two-match series place unfair, undue pressure on squads by completely eliminating a team’s opportunity to bounce back from an opening loss.
Addressing the media in Colombo on the eve of India's second Test against Sri Lanka, Gambhir emphasized that three-match series are crucial for maintaining narrative depth, parity, and context in international cricket.
He dismissed concerns over short turnarounds between games, stating that professional modern cricketers know how to manage their bodies.
"Ideally, I would want a three-match Test series. I've always believed that there should always be a possibility that a team losing the first Test match can come back and win the series. You can't do that in a two-Test series - the most you can do is draw the series. A short turnaround between Tests is fine. Other teams are doing that as well," Gambhir told reporters on Saturday (Augst 22).
Gambhir pointed to India's iconic 2001 home series against Australia as proof that the best cricketing drama unfolds when a side fights back from 1-0 down to win the series.
"I still remember that series, between India and Australia, where India was one down, and they still managed to come back, and win that series 2-1. Normally, if you have those three Test matches, it's always worth it," he remarked.
Gautam Gambhir’s suggestion came despite his team leading the ongoing two-Test series against Sri Lanka. India outplayed the hosts in the series opener at Galle, winning the contest by 165 runs to gain an unassailable 1-0 lead.
Notably, two-Test series dominate the World Test Championship because of financial constraints and limited calendar space. Broadcasting revenue primarily drives longer series, restricting five-match contests to marquee matchups like the Ashes or Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while smaller boards face financial losses hosting longer red-ball fixtures.