The Indian cricket team finds itself under intense scrutiny following their 184-run loss in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, allowing Australia to take a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With just one Test left in Sydney, tensions are running high within the Indian camp, especially with their World Test Championship (WTC) final hopes hanging by a thread.
India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, reportedly lost his temper in the dressing room after the team’s dismal performance. According to reports from Indian Express, Gambhir told the players, “Bahut ho gaya (I've had enough),” as he addressed their reckless gameplay and lack of adherence to the team’s strategies.
Having previously guided the team to commendable victories against Sri Lanka (ODIs) and New Zealand (home Tests), Gambhir is said to be frustrated with India’s inability to perform in the crucial Australian series. He accused some players of "going their own way" during the match, which resulted in unnecessary dismissals and ultimately cost India the game.
Several incidents during the Melbourne Test have reportedly tested Gambhir's patience:
Rishabh Pant's Reckless Dismissal: Pant’s ill-advised shot was a pivotal moment that turned the game in Australia's favor.
Virat Kohli’s Edged Dismissal: Kohli’s tendency to chase deliveries wide outside off-stump continued to haunt him, leading to another soft dismissal.
Rohit Sharma’s Missed Opportunity: The skipper started cautiously but fell prey to his natural instincts, failing to convert a promising start into a big score.
Gambhir has reportedly given the team six months to adapt to his strategies but is now ready to take strict measures. Players who fail to comply with his plans could face exclusion from the squad.
Sources indicate a growing conflict within the team between Gambhir’s tactical plans and the players’ execution on the field. The head coach, known for his no-nonsense approach, is said to be dissatisfied with the lack of discipline shown by the players in critical moments.
The final Test of the series, starting January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, will be crucial for India’s WTC final qualification hopes. With Gambhir’s patience wearing thin, the team will need to regroup and deliver a cohesive performance to avoid further embarrassment and salvage their campaign.
As the pressure mounts, all eyes will be on how the Indian team responds to their coach’s stern warning and whether they can bounce back from their recent setbacks.
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