The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series has not only posed challenges on the field for Indian cricket but has also highlighted growing concerns off the field, particularly regarding the team’s leadership under head coach Gautam Gambhir. As the team faces an uphill battle to win the fifth and final Test in Sydney, India's performance, especially in light of the fading forms of captain Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli, has intensified scrutiny on Gambhir’s role and his relationship with the players.
There are reports of unrest within the Indian dressing room, with murmurs suggesting that Gambhir is not fully aligned with many of the players, unlike the more harmonious dynamics observed during the tenures of former coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid. This has raised questions about Gambhir's leadership style, with communication and clarity becoming key concerns. Sources indicate that while Rohit Sharma has maintained that he engages with players individually on selection matters, there has been a lack of transparency when it comes to explaining exclusion decisions. Gambhir's assertiveness as a coach has not earned him the full trust of some players, particularly those who fall between rookies and seasoned veterans like Kohli and Rohit.
A senior BCCI official pointed out that if India’s performance doesn’t improve, especially in the upcoming Champions Trophy, even Gambhir's position could be at risk. Despite being appointed in July, the former opener's hold over the squad appears tenuous, and there are ongoing discussions within the Board about his future. Gambhir, who was not the BCCI's first choice for the role, has come under pressure after India’s 0-3 home loss to New Zealand, and the potential loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could further jeopardize his tenure.
Adding to the complications, Gambhir’s relationship with the selection committee has also been questioned. His tendency to experiment with the playing XI, such as bringing in debutants like Nitish Reddy, has worked in some instances but also left certain players feeling insecure. One of the biggest points of debate within the team revolves around the handling of Shubman Gill, whose form and role in the team have raised eyebrows. The BCCI’s internal politics, including the transition after Jay Shah's elevation to the ICC chief’s position and the appointment of a new BCCI secretary, has further complicated the situation. Once the administrative leadership stabilizes, it is expected that the Board will conduct a comprehensive review of Gambhir’s performance.
There is already a growing sentiment that Gambhir, despite his previous success as a captain in the T20 format and his experience with Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, may be better suited for coaching only the T20 team. His ability to offer tangible solutions to key players, especially Virat Kohli, has been questioned. Kohli's ongoing struggle with dismissals outside the off-stump channel, a recurring issue that Gambhir himself faced as a player, is an area where Gambhir has yet to provide effective guidance. This failure to address such concerns has led to criticism from former players, who feel that Gambhir, with his deep understanding of the problem, should have been more proactive in offering solutions.
Meanwhile, some concerns are also being raised about the conduct of certain support staff members, particularly regarding the presence of a personal assistant who has been accompanying a key staff member at all match venues. This individual, reportedly with previous access during the IPL, has drawn unwanted attention, especially in Australia, where his presence in the BCCI box has not been well received. Such off-field distractions further highlight the challenges facing the Indian cricket team as they look to regain their form and address internal issues that could affect their performances in the crucial upcoming Champions Trophy.
As the team prepares for the final Test and the pressure mounts, the outcome of this series will likely have long-term implications for both the players and the coaching staff. If India’s performance does not improve, the leadership and structure of the team could undergo significant changes, with Gambhir’s future as head coach remaining uncertain.
