Irfan Pathan issues blunt statement after Gautam Gambhir’s explosive dressing room comments get leaked

Published - 01 Jan 2025, 02:57 PM | Updated - 01 Jan 2025, 04:34 PM

Irfan Pathan Gautam Gambhir
PC: X

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan reacted to reports of conflict within the dressing room after the team’s loss in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. Irfan Pathan criticized the leaking of dressing room issues, expressing disapproval of making such internal matters public.

Reports of internal tensions within the Indian dressing room emerged on New Year’s Day. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was furious over the team's performance, particularly after the second-innings collapse. Gambhir expressed his frustration, telling the players, "bahut ho gaya" (I've had enough).

Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Reportedly Furious Over Team's Performance

According to The Indian Express, Gambhir criticized the players for prioritizing their "natural game" instead of adapting to the situation. The report added that he did not single out any individual. Having granted the team freedom over the past six months, Gambhir reportedly announced a stricter approach.

The Team India coach warned that players unwilling to follow his strategies would risk being dropped from the squad. The report also mentioned disagreements between Gambhir and BCCI selectors, as well as with captain Rohit Sharma, adding to the brewing tensions.

What Happens in the Dressing Room... - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan shared a cryptic message on his social media account regarding the recent reports of internal team issues being leaked. Pathan said that what happens in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room.

“What happens in the dressing room, should stay in the dressing room!" Irfan Pathan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

How Did the Dressing Room Chat Get Leaked to the Media - Shreevats Goswami

Shreevats Goswami and WV Raman have criticized the leaking of dressing room discussions. Goswami condemned the act, labeling it as unacceptable. Raman questioned how internal conversations were leaked to the media and highlighted the importance of allowing the players to concentrate on their jobs during such a crucial period.

"How did the dressing room chat gets leaked to the media ? This is just not on !" Goswami wrote.

"#Teamindia has the chance to draw the #BGT. So, they need to be allowed to get on with their jobs. This is not the time to put out selective leaks and stoke the fire. My humble view,” added Raman, who was interviewed for India head coach post this year, which eventually went to Gambhir.

"The subtle spin to blame the selectors for the unfavorable results has started! That is, assuming the reports are to be believed..," Raman added.

India's defeat to Australia in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne has dented their World Test Championship (WTC) hopes. To stay in contention, India must win the Sydney Test. However, their chances will still depend on Australia's performance in the upcoming Sri Lanka tour.

An Australian Test win there would eliminate India's prospects. A loss or draw in Sydney would also mean surrendering the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India has held for 10 years, with their last series defeat occurring in the 2014-15 tour to Australia.

Also read: David Warner joins PSL 2025 draft after IPL auction disappointment

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