In hot seat, coach Gambhir could be Greg Chappel 2!

Raju Korti
"Success has many fathers, while defeat is an orphan." This is now particularly pertinent as the Indian cricket team battles through a difficult series in Australia, with reports of internal tensions bubbling beneath the surface and the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, finding himself at the center of mounting scrutiny.

The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has proven to be a testing ground for the Indian team, one that has struggled to find the right combination against a rampaging and aggressive Australian side. As the series headed into its must-win fifth Test in Sydney, the pressure on both the players and coaching staff has been immense. While the team’s on-field struggles are evident, a series of off-field issues are threatening to further undermine the team’s efforts.

When Gautam Gambhir was anointed as India’s coach, I had surmised that either he might be an exemplary coach or might be a disappointment given his inflexible approach. Since taking over Gambhir's role in managing an Indian team in transition has come under increasing scrutiny. While his assertive approach has been admired by some, the lack of universal confidence in the dressing room suggests that his methods may not be resonating with all players.

There are reports of growing unrest within the team, particularly regarding Gambhir’s communication style. While the previous coaching regime under Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid was known for fostering an open and transparent relationship with the players, Gambhir's approach appears to be less effective. According to the report, players have questioned the clarity of his communications, especially when it comes to squad selection and player management.

One of the primary points of contention has been Gambhir’s handling of squad selections. While captain Rohit Sharma has maintained that he speaks to players individually regarding selection decisions, several reports indicate that many players have been left in the dark about their exclusion from the playing XI. This lack of transparency has led to growing frustration among key players, some of whom feel uncertain about their roles within the team.

It is not altogether surprising that the situation has raised serious concerns, with one senior BCCI official remarking that Gambhir’s position as coach may come under threat if the team’s performance does not improve, particularly in the wake of the ongoing series. The fact that Gambhir has reportedly lost his temper following another batting collapse in the Melbourne Test only adds to the sense of discontent.

India’s performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy – especially its much-touted batting line up -- has been far from satisfactory, with the team trailing 1-2 in the series. The Indian side has struggled with batting collapses, which have hampered their ability to build a competitive score. In the fourth Test, India’s collapse in the final session of Day 5 led to a defeat by 184 runs, handing Australia an unassailable 2-1 lead. The loss has significantly dampened India's hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Test Championship final. As I write this blog, it appears to be the same familiar tale as India fights with its back to the wall.

The Indian team’s inability to perform under pressure has added to Gambhir’s frustrations. During a post-match team assessment, Gambhir reportedly lashed out at the players, urging them to take responsibility for their failures. His comments were intended to be constructive, but the underlying message was clear: the players must follow his methods and play according to the team’s needs or face the consequences.

In his address, Gambhir reportedly said, "It’s not that I’ve been silent for so long, so you should take everything for granted." This statement was understood as a veiled warning to the underperforming players that they must align with his vision moving forward or risk being sidelined.

Off-field reports further suggest that tensions are rising within the team. Some players, particularly those who are neither rookies like Harshit Rana or Nitish Reddy, nor veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, reportedly feel insecure due to Gambhir’s frequent experimentation with the playing XI. Shubman Gill's exclusion from the fourth Test in Melbourne is a prime example of how some selections have created confusion within the squad.

Further complicating matters is Gambhir’s reportedly strained relationship with the selection committee. Apparently, his strong plea for the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara, has been firmly rejected. The lack of clarity in the coach-selection committee dynamic has contributed to a sense of instability within the team, with many wondering whether the decisions made by the coach are being adequately supported by the selectors.

Compounding the pressure is the reported interest from several senior players in taking on leadership responsibilities. It has been suggested that some players are keen to step into captaincy roles, particularly when Rohit Sharma was unavailable to lead due to personal reasons. However, there is still uncertainty about whether younger players are ready for such a responsibility. These might be mere speculations but they appear credible with the current mess.

Adding fuel to the fire, reports have surfaced of leaks from within the Indian dressing room, particularly regarding Gambhir’s hard-hitting address to the team following the Boxing Day Test defeat. Dressing room sanctity is essential for any cohesive cricket team, and such leaks threaten to disrupt the focus and unity of the squad. Gambhir, however, has asserted that there were no harsh words exchanged during the meeting, and that it was simply an honest discussion aimed at improving the team's performance.

The leaking of internal team conversations not only undermines the authority of the coaching staff but also creates an environment of mistrust and insecurity among players. Such leaks are particularly damaging in high-pressure situations like the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where mental fortitude and team unity are crucial for success.

While the team’s overall performance has been subpar, Gambhir's management style and his handling of key issues -- such as player selection, communication, and team unity -- are contributing to a growing sense of dissatisfaction within the dressing room. With the team’s performance hanging by a thread, the pressure on Gambhir and the coaching staff is immense.

The final Test in Sydney is now a must-win affair for India, not only to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also to keep their hopes alive of reaching the World Test Championship final. Gambhir, who has seen highs and lows during his tenure, will need to find a way to restore balance within the team and guide them to a crucial victory.

However, if the internal unrest continues to fester, the road ahead could be even more challenging for both the team and its head coach. The coming days will determine whether Gambhir can turn the tide or whether the cracks within the team will become too large to mend.

Gambhir maamla hai bhai!