India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has asserted that debates in the dressing room should remain private and should not come out in the public domain as he had some honest conversations with the players after India’s 184-run defeat at Melbourne.
Following India’s defeat in the fourth test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Gambhir had harsh words for some players who played their natural game instead of focussing on the conditions.
“Debates between coach and player should remain in the dressing room. Stern words. They were just reports, not truth,”, Gambhir told in the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final test.
“Indian cricket will be in safe hands till honest people stay in the dressing room. The only thing that keeps you in the dressing room is performance,” he added.
Besides Indian players not showing match awareness, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s performances has seen dip and repeatedly failed with the bat which have come under scrutiny with many calling for their retirement.
“Every individual knows what areas to work on. We have only had one conversation with them (and that is) how to win Test matches,” he added.
Meanwhile India will be missing Akash Deep for the final test owing to stiff back. The Bengal pacer palying in his first overseas tour, had taken five wickets in two tests in Brisbane and Melbourne so far.
The right-arm bowler was so unlucky as multiple wickets got saved aftr several catches were dropped off his bowling during those two games.
“Akash Deep is out with back issue,” said Gambhir. Either Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna could make it to the eleven in place of Akash.
Australia secured a unassisable 2-1 lead in the BGT with an 184-run victory in the fourth test at Melbourne after the third match resulted in a draw. The final match of the five match series will begin on January 03 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
