The Indian cricket team is reportedly facing significant internal strife under new head coach, Gautam Gambhir. After India’s crushing defeat in the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne, Gambhir reportedly criticized the players for not sticking to the game plan.
Sources claim that tensions are escalating in the Indian dressing room, and Rohit Sharma’s captaincy is also uncertain. The Indian captain is also likely to accept a call for his Test future after the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024-25. in Australia.
Gautam Gambhir, who took over as India’s head coach following the end of Rahul Dravid’s tenure following their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, is under intense scrutiny. Gambhir’s time as head coach was difficult, as Team India faced an ODI series defeat in Sri Lanka and a historic Test series loss at home to New Zealand—India’s first loss in 12 years under his tenure.
BCCI worried about the professionalism of Gautam Gambhir’s support staff
With India trailing 1-2 in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and their hopes of making the 2025 WTC final hanging in the balance, Gambhir’s leadership and role are being questioned. Now, a report claims that there is discontent within the BCCI regarding a key member of Gautam Gambhir’s support staff.
However, the report did not reveal the exact name of the Indian support staff. Currently, India’s support staff led by Gautam Gambhir has only two overseas coaches: South Africa’s Morne Morkel as the bowling coach and Ryan ten Doeschate, a former Dutch cricketer, as the assistant coach.
The other coaches are Indians: T Dilip as the outfield coach and Abhishek Nayar as the assistant coach of the Indian cricket team. However, BCCI sources did not reveal the name, but it could be Morne Morkel or Ryan ten Doeschate, while there is little chance for Abhishek Nayar, as they all worked as IPL coaches.
Gautam Gambhir’s staff under fire as personal assistant seen in BCCI’s special box on Australia tour
Rumor has it that one of Gambhir’s coaching staff assistants had access to the FOP (Field of Play) during the 2024 IPL, where he would use the pitch after matches in the franchise’s jersey, and he does the same in Australia.
A PTI report claims that one of the key members of India’s coaching staff allegedly brings a personal assistant everywhere, raising eyebrows over the professionalism within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
But concerns grew when one of the key members of the support staff was often accompanied by his personal assistant wherever he went on tour in Australia. Even an assistant to the Indian coaching staff was spotted in the BCCI-designated box for the ongoing tour of Australia, angering the world’s richest board.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir issues official statement after Indian dressing room chat leaked
Gautam Gambhir’s position won’t be secure: report
Adding to the turmoil, Gambhir reportedly has a strained relationship with several Indian players. His communication has not been as effective as it was during the tenures of Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid.
According to a PTI report, Gautam Gambhir’s future as the head coach of the Indian team is uncertain. The BCCI may take a decision on his position if the team’s performance does not improve after the New Year Test against Australia in Sydney, starting on January 3, 2025, and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
A BCCI source told PTI, “There is a Test match to be played and then there is the Champions Trophy. If the performance does not improve, even Gautam Gambhir’s position will not be secure.”
