Indian cricket finds itself at a crossroads as the team grapples with challenges both on and off the field. With captain Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli struggling to regain form, head coach Gautam Gambhir faces mounting pressure to guide the team through a tough transitional phase.
The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has exposed cracks in the squad’s performance, with the Australian team’s aggressive approach leaving India reeling. The must-win fifth Test, starting Friday, could be pivotal for the team’s morale and future trajectory.
Behind the scenes, reports suggest tension in the dressing room. Sources indicate that Gambhir’s assertive coaching style has not resonated with all players, creating a communication gap reminiscent of the cohesive eras under Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid. While skipper Rohit claims to address selection issues individually, some players reportedly feel left in the dark about their roles.
Adding to the unease is Gambhir’s penchant for experimentation. While bold moves like including Nitish Reddy have yielded results, inconsistent handling of players like Shubman Gill has sparked debate. Critics also question Gambhir’s inability to help Kohli overcome his persistent struggles outside the off-stump, an issue he’s been aware of since his playing days.
Off-field controversies add another layer to the drama. Concerns have emerged about a support staff member overstepping boundaries at venues, drawing scrutiny from the BCCI.
With the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, the BCCI is expected to evaluate Gambhir’s position if results don’t improve. Some insiders advocate limiting his role to T20 coaching, a format where he has previously excelled.
For now, all eyes are on the fifth Test and the upcoming Champions Trophy. If India doesn’t turn things around soon, major changes may be inevitable in the coaching setup.
