Gautam Gambhir Unhappy With Selectors, Senior Players? Ex-Cricketers Furious Over Dressing Room Leaks

Former cricketers, including Irfan Pathan, have criticised leaks from the Indian dressing room during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This follows a report about Gautam Gambhir's stern address to the team after their Boxing Day Test defeat. The controversy has intensified pressure on India, trailing 1-2 in the series.

The Indian team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma, is under scrutiny due to recent poor Test cricket results. India faced a historic 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand in October-November, marking their first-ever clean sweep in a home Test series.

Gambhir's Frustration

According to reports, Gambhir delivered a no-nonsense address after India's 184-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test. He expressed frustration over players prioritising their "natural game" instead of adapting to match situations. Without naming anyone, he made it clear that such an approach was unacceptable.

Gambhir admitted giving players freedom over the past six months but announced a stricter stance moving forward. He warned that players unwilling to adhere to his pre-determined team strategies would be shown the door, signalling a significant shift in his approach to managing the squad.

Dressing Room Leaks

Irfan Pathan emphasised that dressing room conversations are sacred and should remain confidential. Sreevats Goswami also condemned the breach, calling it "not on." The leaks come as India trails 1-2 in the five-match series with one Test remaining.

India and Australia are set to face off in the final Test of the series in Sydney, starting on 3 January. The team management faces intense scrutiny following India's recent poor results in Test cricket.

Series Performance

Rohit Sharma missed the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth due to paternity leave. Jasprit Bumrah stepped in as stand-in captain, leading India to a 290-run victory over Australia. However, India's fortunes changed after Rohit's return.

India suffered a 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide's pink-ball Test and drew with rain assistance in Brisbane. In Melbourne, they conceded a first-innings lead of 105 runs after allowing Australia to score 474.

Batsmen Under Fire

Despite reducing Australia to 91 for 6 in their second innings, India failed to capitalise as Australia's lower order set a target of 330. India's hopes of a record chase were dashed early when they lost three key wickets in the first session.

Rohit Sharma's poor form persisted with just nine runs scored. KL Rahul fell for a duck while Virat Kohli departed for three runs before lunch. At 33 for 3, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant provided stability by batting resiliently for over 30 overs.

Collapse and Criticism

India appeared on track for a draw until Rishabh Pant played a reckless shot against part-time off-spinner Travis Head. This opened up an opportunity for Australia who bowled India out for 155 runs.

The visitors collapsed spectacularly losing their last seven wickets for just 34 runs suffering their first Boxing Day Test defeat in Melbourne in thirteen years.