Head Coach Gautam Gambhir dismisses unrest rumours, emphasises performance, and stresses the importance of keeping team discussions private.
January 2, 2025: New Delhi: In the wake of reports suggesting unrest in the Indian cricket team’s dressing room after the Boxing Day Test defeat, head coach Gautam Gambhir has broken his silence, calling the speculations “just reports, not truth.” Gambhir addressed the media ahead of the fifth and final Test against Australia, emphasizing that internal team conversations should remain private and not spill into the public domain.
“Debates between coach and player should remain in the dressing room. Stern words may have been exchanged, but these are just reports, not the truth,” Gambhir stated during the pre-match press conference.
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Focus on Performance, Not Drama
Gambhir highlighted that performance is the ultimate criterion for players to remain in the team setup.
“Indian cricket will remain in safe hands as long as honesty thrives in the dressing room. The only thing that keeps you in the dressing room is performance,” he asserted.
The head coach also revealed that his discussions with senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have solely been about strategies to win Test matches, downplaying any narrative of discord.
“Every individual knows what areas they need to work on. Our conversations have only been about one thing: how to win Test matches,” Gambhir clarified.
Injury Woes for Team India
Adding to India’s concerns, pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the New Year Test due to a stiff back. However, Gambhir refrained from announcing his replacement for the crucial match.
Despite the turbulence off the field, Gambhir remains confident that honest conversations and focused strategies will guide Team India towards a strong finish in the Test series.
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Gautam Gambhir, Indian Cricket Team, Dressing Room Controversy, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Akash Deep Injury, Team India Performance, Cricket News, India vs Australia Test Series, Sports Leadership.
