Gautam Gambhir sparked a heated debate on the importance of domestic cricket after he was asked if he would like some of the senior players to play at least one round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. after India’s embarrassing test series defeat to Australia.
On Sunday, January 5, Australia beat India by six wickets in the fifth and final Test to win the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Australia chased down the target of 162 in 27 overs, losing four wickets, to win the Test series 3–1 against India.
Gautam Gambhir ignites debate on domestic cricket after India’s loss in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Usman Khawaja top-scored with 41 runs, while Travis Head remained unbeaten with 32. Debutant Beau Webster also played a key role, not out on 39. For India, pacer Prasidh Krishna was the top performer, taking three wickets in Australia’s innings .
With this dominant win, Australia knocked India out of the race and confirmed their place in the finals of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Cup (WTC) for the second consecutive year. Australia will now face South Africa in the 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s from June 11-15, 2025.
After India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, India head coach Gautam Gambhir faced the question of whether the team’s senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra should return to domestic cricket to regain their form as they struggled during test series in Australia. And as usual, Gambhir responded directly at the SCG.
I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket: Gautam Gambhir
In a strong statement, the Indian coach emphasized that domestic cricket cannot be ignored if India is to nurture top talent for Test cricket. Gambhir firmly believes that every player, especially those who are available, should commit to playing domestic cricket, not just for one round of Ranji Trophy, but consistently.
The former India batsman insisted that neglecting domestic cricket would not help India in unearthing top players for Test cricket. Gautam Gambhir’s message was clear: Indian players must first give domestic cricket the importance it truly deserves if they are to rise to the challenge of international cricket and not just Test cricket.
Also Read: “You can’t fight your body” – Jasprit Bumrah breaks silence on his Sydney Test injury
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gautam Gambhir said, “I would always want everyone to play domestic cricket. Everyone should play domestic cricket. So much importance must be given to domestic cricket. Not just one game. If they are available and have an obligation to play red cricket, they should all play domestic cricket.
The simplest it can be. If you don’t give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the desired players you want in Test cricket. So whoever is available should go and play domestic cricket.”
Gautam Gambhir emphasizes self-awareness and honesty after India’s heavy defeat in BGT 2024-25.
Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir emphasized the importance of self-awareness, saying that every player knows their own desire and passion to play for the country as Team India can only win one match in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The Indian head coach also believes that there are honest players in the team who understand how their contribution can help the team. He also highlighted his honesty in leading the team after the tough Australian tour.
Gambhir signed off saying, “Every individual is well aware of their hunger and passion to play for the country. In the locker room, we have honest people who know how much their contribution can benefit the team. I am fair to everyone, which is my job.”
