Following India’s disappointing home series loss to New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a six-hour review meeting. The gathering saw the presence of skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI officials, including secretary Jay Shah and president Roger Binny.
Reports suggest that the BCCI officials scrutinized team strategies, questioning various decisions that were made during the series. One focal point was the controversial choice to prepare a rank-turning pitch for the Mumbai Test, which backfired for the Indian team. Additionally, there were concerns about Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the final Test due to a reported viral infection, which the BCCI deemed questionable.
Gambhir’s Coaching Style under BCCI’s Radar
The discussion reportedly touched upon Gambhir’s coaching approach, contrasting it with that of his predecessor, Rahul Dravid. While Dravid’s style was more conservative, Gambhir’s methods seem to be causing friction within the team. The BCCI was particularly concerned that some team members appear to be struggling with Gambhir’s tactical shifts, leading to a sense of division within the dressing room.
One significant point raised was Gambhir’s decision to include less-experienced players like Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. These selections, despite limited Ranji Trophy exposure, reportedly did not sit well with the Indian think tank, raising further questions about Gambhir’s long-term vision.
Next Steps for Team India before Australia Tour
The BCCI concluded the session by urging Rohit, Gambhir, and Agarkar to suggest actionable measures to address the team’s issues before their upcoming tour to Australia. The board is keen on ensuring a stronger, unified approach in preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Sources close to the BCCI indicate that the organization wants to assess how the team plans to recover from this setback. The focus remains on reinforcing the squad’s strategies and cohesion, ensuring that India is well-prepared to reclaim its form on Australian soil.
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