Gautam Gambhir Criticizes Indian Batters: “Bohot Ho Gaya”
India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship final are slim. They trail 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is frustrated with the team’s inconsistency. He blames senior players for not following the team strategy.
Indian Batters Fail to Deliver
India’s batting lineup has largely underperformed in the series. Both experienced players and young talents have struggled. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can’t find their rhythm. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill have not met high hopes. These flaws led to a heavy 184-run loss in the Melbourne Test. India now risks missing the World Test Championship final.
Gambhir’s Stern Warning
After the Melbourne defeat, Gambhir reportedly confronted the team in the dressing room. He made it clear that the time for leniency was over. The Indian Express says a 43-year-old coach criticized players. They favored their “natural game” over the game plan. He declared, “Bohot ho gaya.” This meant he would now control the team’s game plan.
Gambhir also warned that players who won’t follow the team’s plan would be dismissed. They would get a firm “thank you” for their services.
Leadership and Dressing Room Dynamics
Reports suggest that the dressing room environment is far from ideal. The team captain’s poor batting has increased pressure and doubts about his leadership. A senior player has reportedly tried to mentor the younger members. He calls himself “Mr Fix It.” However, the management is hesitant to officially endorse this leadership transition.
Pujara’s Exclusion Sparks Debate
Gambhir has reportedly been pushing to bring back veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara. He believes Pujara’s stability and experience are vital to the team’s success. The team is struggling to bat. Despite a big win in Perth, selectors have refused Gambhir’s requests to include Pujara in the squad. This has sparked more tension.
Potential Leadership Change
Rumors about Rohit Sharma retiring from Tests have unsettled the team. With a potential leadership vacuum, several players are vying for the captaincy. This struggle for power has sparked a “cold war” among teammates. However, no major rift has been confirmed.
