In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, most Indian batters fell short of expectations. India is now behind 2-1 in the series and in danger of missing out on the World Test Championship final because players like Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill have failed to perform, and seniors like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have had trouble getting going.
After the 184-run loss, head coach Gautam Gambhir was furious with the batting performance in the Melbourne Test and gave all of the players a severe warning. After the game, the 43-year-old reportedly didn’t hold back in his evaluation, criticising players for acting independently in the name of a “natural game” rather than following “plans discussed.”
In the dressing room, Gambhir also reportedly declared, “Bohot ho gaya,” adding that he had given the players ample latitude over the “last six months,” but that he would now “decide” how they conducted themselves, according to Indian Express.
Furthermore, Gautam Gambhir explained that players who do not adhere to the predetermined team strategy will receive a “thank you.”
Additionally, it has been said that the atmosphere in the dressing room is far from ideal, particularly given the captain’s poor batting performance. It is reported that a senior cricket player is actively assuming the position of “Mr Fix it” since he feels that the younger players are not prepared to assume leadership responsibilities. He is prepared to position himself as the stand-in, but the team management is unsure if that is the best course of action.
Although the selectors rejected it, Gambhir also advocated for Cheteshwar Pujara to be included in the current series. The coach wanted to add him to the team even after a thrilling victory in Perth, but he was once again rejected. Though there isn’t a breach in the Indian team right now, certain players are thought to be engaged in a cold war. Many existing players are looking for leadership roles as a result of the growing number of claims that Rohit is leaving the game, which may be making matters worse.
India
