New Delhi:
As the year 2024 drew to a close, the Indian cricket team found itself at a crossroads, grappling with a series of dismal performances that have jeopardized their World Test Championship final qualification. The recent defeats against New Zealand at home and the consecutive losses in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have cast a shadow over the team’s future. At the heart of this turmoil are coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma, who are set to face intense questioning from the BCCI top management once the ongoing series concludes.
BCCI’s Tough Questions for Gambhir and Rohit
The BCCI’s scrutiny of Gambhir and Rohit is multifaceted. For Rohit Sharma, the primary concern is his alarming decline in form. In 2024, Rohit averaged a mere 24.76 in 14 Tests, a stark contrast to his usual standards. His performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been particularly underwhelming, with just 31 runs from five innings at an average of 6.2, the lowest for a touring captain in Australia.
Mark Waugh, the Australian cricket legend, has been vocal about Rohit’s situation, suggesting that if he fails to perform in the second innings of the ongoing Boxing Day Test, it might be time for him to consider retirement. “If he doesn’t make runs… I’d be saying, ‘Rohit, thank you for your service. You’ve been a great player, but we’re going to bring in Jasprit Bumrah as captain,'” Waugh stated.
Rohit’s captaincy has also come under fire, with critics pointing out tactical missteps and a lack of cohesion within the team. The 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home, a first in Indian cricket history, has further exacerbated the pressure on him.
Gautam Gambhir, who took over as head coach from Rahul Dravid in July, is also facing the heat. Since his appointment, India has suffered several shock defeats, including the ODI series loss against Sri Lanka and the home Test series whitewash against New Zealand. Gambhir’s inability to reverse the team’s fortunes has raised questions about his coaching credentials and his ability to communicate effectively with the players. Despite his numerous conversations with the batting group, the team’s repeated collapses suggest that his message is not resonating.
Ashwin’s Retirement and Team Selection
The sudden retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin after the third Test in Brisbane has added another layer of complexity to the situation. While Gambhir has been cleared of any involvement in Ashwin’s decision, the incident has highlighted the internal dynamics and potential communication gaps within the team.
Gambhir’s role in team selection has also been scrutinized, particularly after Rohit Sharma’s decision to include himself in the playing XI at the expense of Shubman Gill in the Melbourne Test. This move has sparked debates about whether Rohit’s position is secured more by his captaincy than his current form.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy nears its end, both Gambhir and Rohit are bracing themselves for a rigorous interrogation from the BCCI. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Indian cricket.
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