What is happening with the Indian cricket team? After their victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, there was a change in the coaching staff, with Rahul Dravid being replaced by Gautam Gambhir. However, it seems the politician-turned-coach's stint isn't going as planned. From a loss to Sri Lanka in the limited-overs format to a whitewash Test series loss against New Zealand at home, and to add salt to the wound, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia 3-1 Down Under.
Now, with the blame game in full swing over who is responsible for these defeats, it has been marred by the controversy surrounding the leak of dressing room conversations to the media.
Ahead of the fifth and final Test against Australia, head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the issue during a press conference, criticizing the players and threatening consequences after the team's loss in the fourth Test.?
"Discussions between the coach and players must stay private. These were just speculations, not facts," Gambhir stated. "Indian cricket will thrive as long as honest individuals uphold the sanctity of the dressing room. Performance is the only currency that matters. The team-first ideology must prevail above all else. While players can express their natural game, they must adapt to the team’s requirements in critical situations."?
Gambhir is said to have identified Sarfaraz Khan as the source of the dressing room leak according to News24. Sarfaraz, who did not feature in any of the five Test matches during the series in Australia, was reportedly named by Gambhir during a review meeting with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials.?
India captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were also present at the meeting. It has been suggested that Gambhir's dissatisfaction with Sarfaraz could have repercussions on the batter's career while Gambhir remains in charge.?
While many are jokingly using the famous line from the movie PK, saying "Sarfaraz dhoka dega," some believe that the batter, who never got a chance to bat, is being used as a scapegoat by the head coach to shift the focus away from the disastrous series.?
Team India's future?
The next assignment for the Men in Blue is England's tour of Inia for a five-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series. This tour will serve as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2-25, which will be held in Pakistan and Dubai.?
For England, this will be their first series of the new year, following a month-long break. Meanwhile, India, who has returned to home soil after their tours of South Africa and Australia, will be eyeing wins.?
The 8 matches of the series will be held across 8 different venues from Wednesday, January 22, to Wednesday, February 12. ???
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