Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly issued a stern warning to his players following their disappointing 184-run defeat to Australia in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
As India trails 1-2 in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, tensions within the team have escalated, with leaks from the dressing room drawing widespread criticism from former cricketers.
According to a report by The Indian Express, Gambhir expressed frustration over the team’s repeated failures to adapt to match situations and adhere to the strategies laid out for the tour.
The coach reportedly communicated to the players, "Bahut ho gaya (I've had enough)," indicating a firm stance for the future. He further warned that any deviation from his game plan would result in exclusion from the squad.
Dressing room breach sparks outrage
The leak of Gambhir’s candid remarks to the media has shocked the cricket fraternity. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan criticized the breach, emphasizing the sanctity of dressing room discussions.
“What happens in the dressing room, should stay in the dressing room!” Pathan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Former wicketkeeper Sreevats Goswami echoed Pathan’s sentiment, calling the leaks “unacceptable.”
Mounting pressure on team India
Gambhir, who assumed the head coach role in July, had reportedly given the team six months of freedom to execute their “natural game.” However, following the Melbourne Test loss, he expressed dissatisfaction with their inability to adapt to challenging situations.
“I’ve allowed freedom, but now I will decide the strategy,” Gambhir reportedly told the team. His comments were particularly pointed after India’s lower-order collapse in the second innings, which saw them bundled out for 155 while chasing 330.
Key dismissals, including Rishabh Pant’s reckless shot off part-time spinner Travis Head, drew Gambhir’s ire. Pant’s dismissal, after a gritty stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, triggered a collapse where India lost their last seven wickets for just 34 runs.
Skipper Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli also faced criticism for their underwhelming performances. Kohli’s dismissal outside the off-stump and Rohit’s failure to convert starts into substantial scores have added to India’s woes.
Team divisions and selection debates
The dressing room turmoil extends beyond performances. Reports suggest Gambhir had urged selectors to recall Cheteshwar Pujara for the Australia tour, but his request was denied. Additionally, speculation about Test captaincy has surfaced, with some senior players reportedly expressing interest in leading the side amid Rohit Sharma’s struggles.
With the series finale scheduled for January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India must secure a victory to avoid losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and keep their World Test Championship (WTC) qualification hopes alive.
India’s recent Test record has been dismal, including a historic 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand in October-November, marking their first such loss on home soil. Gambhir’s tenure, which began with promising wins against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, is now under intense scrutiny.
As the team faces a do-or-die situation, Pathan and other former players have stressed the need for unity and discretion. “The focus should be on the game, not internal conflicts,” said Pathan, urging the team to put their best foot forward in Sydney.
