The Indian cricket fraternity was abuzz on Wednesday morning with reports of rifts in the dressing room, sparking widespread speculation about unrest within the team. With just a day to go before the final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, anticipation ran high over who would address the media. After much waiting, the Indian head coach entered the press conference room, setting the tone with a striking opening statement.
“Everything is under control,” said Gautam Gambhir. “Being in Sydney with an opportunity to draw the series is a good position to be in. If our batting and bowling hadn’t done well, we wouldn’t have been 2-1 in the series. It could’ve been worse.”
Gambhir was asked about the youngsters in the team, their dismissals following a similar pattern, and how the management was addressing the issues. “All individuals know what they need to do,” said Gambhir. “I won’t talk about individuals. You win as a team, you lose as a team. The debates between a player and a coach should stay between them. The conversations in the dressing room should stay there.”
One of the most interesting aspects of the press conference was the fact that when asked about the playing XI, specifically about Rohit Sharma’s place in the team, Gambhir refused to deny or confirm anything.
“We will look at the wicket and then announce the playing XI tomorrow,” he said. “What about Rohit?” interjected a reporter. “The answer remains the same,” said Gambhir sternly.
With respect to the reports of rifts in the dressing room, Gambhir was also asked about the conversations that he has had with the team. “The only conversation we’re having is about how we need to win the next match,” he said. “There has been no other conversation.”