India head coach Gautam Gambhir will host a special dinner for the national Test squad at his residence in New Delhi on Wednesday, just two days before the second and final Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

According to reports from ANI, the informal get-together is designed as an open-air dinner in Gambhir’s garden area, aimed at fostering team spirit and camaraderie within the squad. However, the event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled if rain interrupts proceedings in the capital.

This will be one of Gambhir’s first major off-field gestures since taking charge as India’s head coach last year. Known for his intense, result-driven mindset on the field, Gambhir has also emphasized building a strong off-field bond among his players, particularly as the team navigates a transitional phase with several emerging talents.

India riding high after Ahmedabad dominance

India enter the Delhi Test brimming with confidence after crushing West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the series opener at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Ravindra Jadeja, newly appointed as vice-captain, produced a Player of the Match performance with an unbeaten 104 and eight wickets across both innings.

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Mohammed Siraj (4/40) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) led the bowling attack as West Indies were bowled out for just 162 in their first innings. India’s response was emphatic, 448/5 declared, powered by centuries from KL Rahul (100), Dhruv Jurel (125), and Jadeja (104*). The visitors fared no better in their second innings, folding for 146 inside four days.

Focus turns to Delhi

The upcoming match at Delhi’s iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium holds special significance for Gambhir, who represented Delhi throughout his domestic career and called the venue his home ground during his playing days.

For India, the goal is clear, a clean sweep to strengthen their position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) table, where they currently sit third with three wins, one draw, and two losses. The West Indies, on the other hand, will be eager to avoid a whitewash and reclaim some pride.

Wednesday’s dinner is expected to provide a relaxed setting for players including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Jadeja, Siraj, Bumrah, and Dhruv Jurel to unwind before the high-stakes final Test begins on October 10.

With Gambhir blending discipline and approachability in his early days as head coach, the Indian camp appears settled and motivated, well placed to wrap up another series victory on home soil.