Growing Unrest in the Indian Dressing Room
Reports of growing unrest in the Indian dressing room came out on Wednesday, showing rising tension within the team. This atmosphere of discontent has raised concerns about the future of Rohit Sharma as the Indian Test captain and whether head coach Gautam Gambhir can continue managing the team. This uncomfortable environment is mainly due to India’s poor performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the team now facing a must-win situation in the fifth and final Test in Sydney to keep the trophy.
Concerns Over Rohit Sharma’s Future as Test Captain
While the team’s struggles on the field are well-known, it seems that the off-field dynamics are also starting to fall apart. Gambhir, who became head coach in July, has reportedly had difficulty connecting with some players. There is also uncertainty about whether Rohit Sharma will be included in the playing XI for the final Test. Rohit’s future in Test cricket has been widely debated, especially after his underwhelming performances in the series so far, where he only scored a double figure in one of the five innings. According to a report from The Times of India, Rohit is ‘unlikely’ to be part of the Indian Test team after the series against Australia. However, he may not announce his retirement right away to avoid adding to the already tense atmosphere in the team.
Virat Kohli Takes on More Leadership Responsibility
This leaves the team in a state of confusion, with reports suggesting that Virat Kohli might step into a leadership role. Kohli has been more vocal on the field during the current series, often seen leading team huddles and guiding younger players. There are signs that Kohli has taken on more responsibility, especially because of the lack of preparation and faith in the younger players.
Handling of Ashwin’s Retirement Sparks Concerns
The report also mentions that there are worries within the BCCI regarding how the team management handled Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement. Ashwin’s decision to retire came as a shock, and he left for home the day after the third Test in Brisbane.
Despite the chaos, the BCCI is focused on the long-term goals for the team. They plan to review Gambhir and his support staff’s performance after the Australia tour, similar to how a review was conducted after India’s 0-3 defeat to New Zealand last year. It is clear that the coming weeks will be crucial for both the Indian team and Gambhir’s future as head coach. If the team continues to underperform, it may lead to a change in leadership, with the BCCI ready to re-evaluate its options.
