The Indian cricket team is no stranger to pressure, but recent events have revealed cracks in the foundation that has traditionally upheld one of the most admired teams in the world. With Australia leading 2-1 in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the prospect of losing a chance at the World Test Championship (WTC) final has put both the players and coaching staff, especially head coach Gautam Gambhir, under intense scrutiny.
Gautam Gambhir’s Stern Warning
After the team’s dismal performance in Melbourne, where they crumbled by losing seven wickets in 20.4 overs, Gambhir made no effort to hide his disappointment. His fiery words, “Bahut ho gaya (I’ve had enough),” set the tone for a tense dressing room meeting. Gambhir accused several players of prioritizing their “natural game” over team strategy, leading to a cascade of poor decisions on the pitch.
What Went Wrong in Melbourne?
The loss in Melbourne was marked by impulsive decisions, with Virat Kohli chasing a wide delivery, Rishabh Pant’s risky shot selection triggering collapses, Captain Rohit Sharma’s continued loss of form, and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ill-advised pull shot, highlighting the gap between Gambhir’s strategy and the players’ execution.
Pressure on Gautam Gambhir as Head Coach
Since his appointment, Gambhir has been known for his methodical approach. Under his leadership, India achieved significant victories against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. However, the current series against Australia has been a different story altogether.
Sources within the team suggest a significant clash between Gambhir’s strategic plans and players sticking to their instincts. Gambhir reportedly voiced frustration over his lenient stance during the past six months, emphasizing that moving forward, deviation from pre-decided plans would lead to drastic consequences.
Selection Dilemmas Adding to Woes
One of the core issues stems from Gambhir’s strong recommendation to reintegrate Cheteshwar Pujara, a veteran Test specialist, into the squad. The selectors, however, opposed this move, creating a divide that still lingers. Gambhir’s insistence on discussing Pujara even after India’s victory in Perth indicates his dissatisfaction with the selection committee’s decisions.
Team India’s Challenges in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
India’s batters have struggled to adapt to Australian pitches. The alarming dip in performances since the home series against Bangladesh has become glaringly evident during this tour. Rohit Sharma’s form slump adds another layer of complexity. With captaincy under the spotlight, critics question his ability to inspire confidence in the team amidst rising tensions.
Gambhir’s New Directive: Discipline Above All
In a dramatic shift, Gambhir has reportedly informed the squad that individualistic playing styles will no longer be tolerated. “Team before self” seems to be the mantra moving forward. Players have been warned to follow plans discussed or face exclusion.
With one Test left in Sydney, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win might salvage some pride, but the lingering discord suggests deeper issues that go beyond the game. India’s pathway to the WTC final hangs by a thread. They must win the Sydney Test and hope for other results to go in their favor—a daunting scenario made tougher by the internal strife.
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