‘Not in same page with the coach’ – reported rift in Indian cricket camp comes to light ahead of Australian tour

There are reports of cracks in the Indian cricket camp. PTI reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had a long six-hour meeting ahead of the Australia tour. The meeting included outgoing BCCI secretary Jay Shah, skipper Rohit Sharma, and coach Gautam Gambhir. 

According to reports, there is clear unhappiness with the coaching from some quarters in the side. Ajit Agarkar was also part of the meeting, which was an attempt to reach a common ground ahead of the huge tour. PTI stated that Gautam Gambhir is not on the ‘same page’ with the team management as far as few decisions go. 

The move to include Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana in the team for the Australian tour is one such example. Shardul Thakur’s exclusion from the team as a few reports stated a few days ago was also spoken about. Thakur was India’s best player during the Brisbane Test and also played a match-winning role during the Oval Test in 2021. 

Clear cracks in team India ahead of Australia series 

One source who was part of the meeting said to PTI, “It can't be confirmed whether Gambhir's coaching style was questioned or not but it is understood that some people in the Indian team think tank aren't on same page with the chief coach."

The source added, “It was a six-hour marathon meeting which was obviously on the cards after such a debacle. India are going on a tour of Australia and the BCCI would obviously like to ensure that the team is back on track and would like to know how the think-tank are going about it.”

India had just lost the Test series at home to New Zealand with a 3-0 margin. Gautam Gambhir’s coaching was questioned from all quarters. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s bad form with the bat hasn’t helped India’s cause during these turbulent times. Rohit Sharma has to lead his side to a series if India has to play a 3rd successive WTC final.