It is an open secret that all is not well in the Team India camp heading into the New Year. Indian imploded sensationally to lose 7 wickets for 34 runs in the final session on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday to lose the fourth Test by 184 runs and are 1-2 down in the series with one match remaining.
Indians are not in serious danger of losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), something that they have held on to for the last 10 years heading into the fifth and final Test which starts at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.
Now news has emerged that head coach Gautam Gambhir cracked the whip in the MCG dressing room soon after Team India’s massive loss in the fourth Test. According to a report in Indian Express newspaper, Gambhir said, “Bahut ho gaya (I’ve had enough),” to the entire team after the loss.
Gautam Gambhir wanted Cheteshwar Pujara for the BGT, but selectors turned it down. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/oAMdkDsJ8N
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 1, 2025
Gambhir’s recent speech, though indirect, highlighted Indian players prioritizing their ‘natural game’ over situational demands. Since taking over as coach on July 9, Gambhir reportedly allowed the team autonomy for six months but has now decided to assert control. He warned players that those who fail to adhere to the team strategy would be shown the door.
The former India opener was referring to Rishabh Pant, who was out to two indiscriminate shots in the MCG Test. Pant was caught in the deep in the second innings off part-time off-spinner Travis Head, when the order of the day was defence and playing for a draw.
With the team trailing 1-2 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the World Test Championship final spot at risk, Gambhir has made his expectations clear. The Indian Express report indicated he emphasized the disconnect between intent and team interest, criticizing players for deviating from discussed plans. He also pointed to ongoing batting struggles since the Bangladesh series last September.
Key moments were scrutinized, including Virat Kohli chasing a wide delivery on the final day of the Melbourne Test, Rishabh Pant’s reckless dismissals, Rohit Sharma’s inconsistency, and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ill-advised shot under pressure. These incidents highlighted a lack of discipline that has plagued the team.
Reports suggest the dressing room atmosphere has been tense for some time, even before the first Test in Australia. Gambhir had advocated for Cheteshwar Pujara’s inclusion, but selectors dismissed the idea, fuelling further discord. Additionally, Rohit Sharma’s delayed arrival and his struggles with form have added to the instability. Meanwhile, players with captaincy ambitions have reportedly tried to position themselves as pivotal figures, creating further divisions.
One senior player, seen as a self-appointed ‘Mr. Fix-It’, has been reluctant to trust younger players with leadership roles, aiming to position himself as an interim option. Though there is no overt rift, the team lacks cohesion. Gambhir’s selections, such as Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar, were contentious but not disastrous, while omissions like Akash Deep for the pink-ball Test drew criticism.
Rohit, known for meticulous planning and support for teammates, has struggled to extend his influence on this tour. Questions have also arisen about the effectiveness of Gambhir’s handpicked support staff. Sunil Gavaskar openly questioned the role of Abhishek Nayar, suggesting Gambhir himself could take on batting guidance.
Adding to the tension, Ravichandran Ashwin’s mid-tour departure sparked speculation, with his father citing ‘humiliation’ as a possible reason. While Ashwin downplayed the incident, it fuelled rumors of discontent.
Despite the challenges, individual brilliance has kept India in contention for the series. The team’s potential to secure a draw in the final Test and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy suggests it is not entirely fractured but struggles to balance individual expression with collective discipline.
