India head coach Gautam Gambhir has slammed the pitch critics who have questioned a Test match lasting for three days in India. India will host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series beginning September 19.

He pointed out that these critics do not say anything when a Test match in South Africa gets over in 2 days. Spinners benefit from the subcontinent's spin-friendly conditions. Gambhir added that the batters from other teams should learn to play spinners.

"When India goes to South Africa and the Test ends in 2 days. When fast bowlers get enough help, nobody talks about it. This debate has to end. You can't say Tests get over in India in 2 days, then the opposition has to learn to play spinners," Gambhir said in the pre-series press conference.

With KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant returning to India squad, Gambhir confirmed that Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan will have to wait for their chances. Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli will be filling the top four positions.

Gambhir also praised Rishabh Pant for his spin-hitting abilities, which might be key in Chepauk.

"We all know how destructive he can be and what he has done. Not many of his age have done it across conditions. With batting and behind the stumps, he has been phenomenal. His batting overshadows his keeping, especially against the spinners.

We don't drop anyone. We just pick the players who fit the XI. We believe in selecting the XI. Jurel is a phenomenal player. When Pant is coming in, sometimes people have to wait. Same with Sarfaraz. There will be opportunities and you have to wait," he said.

Talking further, Gambhir credited bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja for shifting Indian cricket fans’ focus from a long-standing obsession with batting. Gambhir underlined how the trio's world-class bowling abilities are changing the landscape of Indian cricket.

"You've got to give credit to (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja. They're turning this nation into a bowling-obsessed one. Bumrah is the best bowler in the world. It's not just his performance. It's his hunger as well. And the best part is that he wants to play as much Test cricket as he can. It is not even a luxury. He can make a difference at any stage of the game. So yes, hopefully, he can do the same in this series and going forward as well," Gambhir said.

Gambhir also underlined the pivotal role Ashwin and Jadeja play in the Indian setup, particularly in home conditions.

"They can pick up wickets on any day, whether it's Day 1 or Day 5 of a match. They offer both attacking and defensive options. We have an attack that can take 20 wickets consistently, and those two guys will create a massive impact, especially on Indian pitches,” he added.

Gambhir also showed confidence in India’s batters that they can take on any spinners of any wicket anywhere. India batters, especially star batsman Virat Kohli, struggled against Sri Lankan spinners in the ODI phase of the recent away white-ball series, raising concerns about the upcoming Bangladesh series.

"Our batting unit has so much quality that it can take on any spin unit. There is a lot of difference between ODIs and Tests. It's all about the mindset and working and strengthening your defense and once you have it, then you play around it," Gambhir told the media.

However, the former India opener, conceded that Bangladesh has very good spinners in Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, and Taijul Islam.

"They have a very good bowling attack. Shakib (Al Hasan) has got the experience. Mahidi (Hasan) is there as well. So, we know that there is talent in Bangladesh. The important thing is that we need to be switched on from day one," he added.

If there is one missing piece in India's puzzle, it is a pace-bowling all-rounder in the pattern of the iconic Kapil Dev. Gambhir, on the other hand, was unconcerned about it, thanks to the team's abundance of spin all-rounders.

"We have a very strong first-class structure and hopefully we can get someone (pace all-rounder) very soon. If we don't, then we still have quality all-rounders. We have to manage with people like Jadeja, and Ashwin. So, let's not get obsessed with that (pace all-rounder).

Tell me how many international teams have got spin all-rounders? India has that luxury. So might as well keep thinking about it,” he said.

The first Test begins in Chennai on September 19.

(PTI inputs)