Gautam Gambhir faces open revolt from Rohit Sharma; inside details of Indian Cricket Team leaked

The Indian cricket team finds itself navigating turbulent waters as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has almost slipped from their hands, and behind the scenes, tensions appear to be brewing.

It is being said that a growing divide between Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the national selectors due to different approaches to leadership and strategy is working against the team.

Gautam Gambhir’s management style raises eyebrows in Indian cricket team setup

Known for his no-nonsense style and strong-headed leadership during his stints with Delhi and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gautam Gambhir's methods seem to have created ripples within the national team set-up.

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The head coach’s interactions with players have reportedly been minimal and highly task-focused, leaving some young talents feeling isolated and uncertain about their roles. This shift in approach has sparked concerns, as the previous Indian cricket team managements were known for their empathetic and supportive communication, especially with the youngsters.

Ahead of the New Year’s Test at the SCG, BCCI sources revealed that Gautam Gambhir needs to step up and take more responsibility. He also revealed that Team India is still adjusting to Gambhir’s methods, and the young players left out of the XI reportedly feel ignored, leading to self-doubt.

Players are still adjusting to Gambhir’s new ways: BCCI

A BCCI source was quoted as saying by TOI: “He has let the players be so far. Now, he must take responsibility and come to the fore. The young players who are missing out even from the XI are not being talked to yet. It could make them doubt themselves. The previous team management were more empathetic and spoke a lot to the players. The players are still adjusting to Gambhir’s new ways.”

The source also revealed that Gambhir is still finding his footing, trying to balance a clear vision with backing certain players. While he avoids disrupting proven performers, the new head coach’s approach feels influenced by IPL-style management. However the BCCI’s major concern is a lack of clarity and disconnect between the national selectors and team management.

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The source further explained, “There’s no harm in having a vision. But there needs to be a definite one. Gambhir is trying to balance things. In doing so, he is figuring out the players he wants to back. It’s almost like he is still struggling to come to terms with how an IPL franchise functions. There are proven performers in the team. He is mindful of not disturbing them.”

Lack of clarity between the selectors and the team management

He signed off by saying, “If one goes by the team sheets that the team management has released in the last four Test tours, there are players missing out from featuring in the 15 when they were initially picked as the top 15 players to travel to Australia. It clearly shows there’s a lack of clarity between the selectors and the team management.”

At the end, the BCCI insiders revealed that Gambhir has a bold plan to revamp the Indian cricket team across all three formats of the game. His goal is to rebuild the squad over the next 18 months. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has been closely working with Gambhir in Australia, aiming to align their vision and create a united strategy for the team’s future.