The main idea of Gambhir’s remarks, despite the fact that he did not identify anyone, was that they were acting independently in the name of “natural game” rather than adapting to the circumstances.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir had some harsh words for the entire team in the dressing room on Monday, just after India lost seven wickets in 20.4 overs and lost the Melbourne Test to Australia. The former India opener is reported to have stated, without holding back, “Bahut ho gaya (I’ve had enough)” in reference to the team.
The main idea of Gambhir’s remarks, despite the fact that he did not identify anyone, was that they were acting independently in the name of “natural game” rather than adapting to the circumstances.
According to reports, Gambhir, who became coach on July 9, stated that he had let the players to play as they pleased for the “last six months” but that now they would “decide” how they would play. He reportedly threatened to “thank you” players who didn’t follow his predetermined team plan going forward, a subliminal warning to players to follow the rules.
Gambhir has drawn the line because the squad is currently behind 1-2 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and it appears that they will not be able to qualify for the World Test Championship final. He’s obviously had enough.
According to sources, Gambhir resolved the tension between team interest and intent. He informed the players that they were acting independently rather than carrying out the “plans discussed.” He talked about how the batters had been playing poorly ever since the September home series against Bangladesh.
On the final day of the Melbourne Test, Virat Kohli placed the team behind when he chased a wide ball in the final over before lunch. A spectacular collapse was caused by the dismissal of Rishabh Pant, who had played a lap shot off a pacer in the first innings and had pulled a short ball from part-time spinner Travis Head down the neck of long-on in the second. In the second innings, captain Rohit Sharma, who was having trouble with touch and form, fell while making an across-the-line stroke. Finally sinking Team India at Melbourne, Yashasvi Jaiswal attempted a pull shot late in the evening even though the field was set for it.
The environment in the dressing room is far from ideal, according to several Indian cricket sources. In truth, the friction in the camp has been since before the first Test match in Australia. The selectors reportedly rejected Gambhir’s request to include Cheteshwar Pujara, the out-of-favor Test specialist with 100 games under his belt. It has been learned that Gambhir continued to discuss Pujara even after India won the Perth Test.
Individuals’ growing goals and aspirations can frequently work against a team during a transitional period, like Team India is currently going through. The fact that Rohit, the appointed captain, only arrived in the middle of the first Test and missed the first portion of the tour didn’t help either. It has been learned that by that point, at least a few players, all aspiring to be captains, were publicly asserting that it would be their responsibility to make India stand out on this tour. It is thought that following the current tour, Rohit might answer a call regarding his future.
A senior player has been actively trying to establish himself as “Mr. Fix-It.” According to some with knowledge, he is prepared to position himself as a temporary solution since he isn’t sure that the young guns are prepared to assume leadership responsibilities.
Even while there might not be an open rift, the unit’s chaotic incoherence is undeniable. Additionally, the decision-making process has become more centralized. It has been revealed that there was disagreement when Gambhir decided to include Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana for the opening Test. Despite being questioned, these choices haven’t actually gone wrong. As demonstrated by Akash Deep’s exclusion from the pink-ball Test, mistakes have also been made. Not only was he more appropriate, but Rana’s ability to stay fit for extended periods of time has also been questioned.
The fact that Rohit has been having form issues hasn’t helped. It has been learned that he hasn’t been able to extend himself in the same way on this trip. Normally, as a captain, he spends hours planning for the game, talking with batting and bowling groups, and with individuals. This individual took a moment to explain to Sanju Samson why he wasn’t selected following the toss at a T20 World Cup final. The player himself had been taken aback by such kind gesture. Rohit has been advocating for people before to this series.
Additionally, there are rumors circulating among the Indian tour group regarding Gambhir’s hand-picked locus standi for the support crew. Sunil Gavaskar, the main voice in Indian cricket, brought up this matter in public throughout the tour.
“For batting… What function does Abhishek Nayar serve on the team? Is he an assistant coach or a batting coach? We can likely do better if Gambhir can come in and instruct the players on how to bat and what strategy to use, as he has scored a lot more runs,” he had stated.
A few people in the backroom can benefit from Gavaskar’s observation regarding Nayar.
The fact that Ravichandran Ashwin decided to end the tour in the middle also speaks volumes. According to an impassioned remark made by his father, his son may have quit due to “humiliation.” This has increased the intrigue, even though Ashwin later attempted to downplay it.
The side that advances to the last Test match in Sydney with a chance to keep the trophy—India, the winner of the previous series, will keep the trophy in the event of a 2-2 draw—has a lot to do with individual skill and a deep-seated drive to succeed. It does imply that this is not a divided squad but rather one that is able to exhibit its abilities and even destroy itself.
Gambhir’s stern stance may be effective in the short term in lowering egos and refocusing attention, but it is not a sustainable answer. Democratic athletic systems that are successful don’t function on intimidation and force. A firm hand might be necessary for now, but once this trip is over, a well-rounded and harmonious plan will be required.
