Last Updated:
Gautam Gambhir mentioned that he had some honest conversations with the team and wanted performances to ensure that they keep their spot in the squad.
Gautam Gambhir speaks at a press conference ahead of the fifth Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. (Image: AFP)
After reports had emerged which claimed that there was unrest within the Indian dressing room, the Head Coach Gautam Gambhir stood his ground and mentioned that debates within the dressing room were not for the public domain. He also mentioned that he had some honest conversations with the team and wanted performances to ensure that they stick by them.
“Debates between coach and player should remain in the dressing room. Stern words. They were just reports, not truth,”, Gambhir said, as quoted by PTI in the pre-match press meet ahead of India’s fifth and final Test against Australia, beginning here on Friday.
“Indian cricket will be in safe hands till honest people stay in the dressing room. The only thing that keeps you in the dressing room is performance,” he added.
An earlier report had mentioned that Gambhir was fed up with players from his side playing for themselves in the guise of ‘their natural game’. It was also said that Gambhir would then decide how the team played after reportedly giving the team a freehand for the past six months but now things would change.
“There were honest words and honesty is important,” he asserted.
Gambhir also clarified that he did not have any discussions with India’s senior duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma except for strategies to help them get back to winning ways.
“Every individual knows what areas to work on. We have only had one conversation with them (and that is) how to win Test matches,” he said.
Gambhir also confirmed that pacer Akash Deep will miss the New Year Test with a stiff back, though he refrained from naming a replacement for him. The pacer’s absence will be a severe blow to their bowling attack which is already under pressure and Jasprit Bumrah will once again lead the bowling unit to a series-levelling win at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series will begin on January 3, 2025, and will be played till 7th January. Both teams will be gunning for a win in the clash that could be pivotal for both teams.
(with PTI Inputs)
- Location :
Sydney, Australia
