India’s cricket team head coach, Gautam Gambhir, delivered a scathing address to the players in the dressing room following their defeat in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Gambhir expressed frustration with the players' lack of discipline and adherence to team strategies, accusing them of prioritising their 'natural game' over situational demands.
"Enough is enough! Players are doing whatever they want in the name of a 'natural game' without playing according to the situation," said Gambhir.
"For six months, players were allowed to play as they wished for the team. Now, it will be decided how they should play for the team," he added.
"If any player does not play according to the strategy, they will be told 'thank you.' Instead of following the plan, players have been doing as they please," he concluded.
His outburst highlighted a growing rift within the team, with Indian media reporting that selectors, players and the coaching staff are not on the same page.
"The atmosphere in the Indian dressing room is not ideal, as selectors, players and coaching staff are not on the same page," Indian media quotes.
India’s latest loss in Melbourne, where they lost seven quick wickets in 20.4 overs during the second innings, tilted the series in Australia’s favour.
After dominating the first Test under stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, India struggled to maintain momentum.
India won the series opener in Perth by 295 runs despite missing regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who was unavailable due to the birth of his child.
However, Australia fought back, winning the second Test by 10 wickets in Adelaide.
The rain-affected third Test ended in a draw, but Australia took a decisive lead with their 184-run victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne.
With the series now at 2-1, India’s hopes of squaring the series rest on the final Test in Sydney, scheduled from January 3–7.
India’s poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy also jeopardised their chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.
South Africa became the first team to secure a spot in the WTC final after their recent Test victory against Pakistan.
For India to keep their slim hopes alive, they must win the Sydney Test. A loss would officially end their WTC final aspirations.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Gautam Gambhir
