‘They were just reports not truth’ – Gautam Gambhir makes roaring statement about team leaks ahead of SCG Test; confirms Akash Deep is ruled out

Indian coach Gautam Gambhir has been under the scanner ever since reports of his team talks have emerged. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir during his address to the media has made a strong statement. According to the 43-year-old, the said conversations between himself and the team are just reports and far from the truth. 

Gambhir said, “Debates between coach and player should remain in dressing room. Stern words. They were just reports not truth.” This is a brave call from Gambhir who has come out and taken the questions head on ahead of the massive game at the SCG. Team India has to win the game to keep their WTC finals hopes alive and also retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy. 

India began with a win in Perth by 295 runs before losing the Adelaide Test by 10 wickets. The third game in Gabba ended in a draw with Australia winning the fourth Test match in Melbourne by 184 runs. As the series moves to its final destination in Sydney, the team is looking to make a strong comeback into the series and start the year on a high. 

Gautam Gambhir emphasizes team in safe hands 

Former India star batter turned head coach Gautam Gambhir while addressing the media said, “Indian cricket will be in safe hands till honest people stay in the dressing room. Only thing that keeps you in the dressing room is performance. There were honest words and honesty is important."

The 43-year-old also added, “There is only one tendency and there is only one discussion - it's the team first ideology that matters. You need to play what the team needs. You can still play your natural game in a team sport - but if the team needs you - you need to play in a certain way.”

India’s head coach also has said that he has only spoken about the upcoming game to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. “Every individual knows what are areas to work on. We have only had one conversation with them and that is how to win Test matches”.

There is a massive bad news for India just before the game, pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the final game in Sydney. Gambhir hasn’t named a replacement for the 28-year-old but either Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna could make their way into the XI. Harshit Rana played in the first two games of the series while Prasidh Krishna is yet to get a game. Akash Deep is reportedly down with stiff back according to Gautam Gambhir.