Rohit Sharma's PR accused of deliberately ending Gautam Gambhir's career by former teammate

Aakash Chopra has poured the water on the flames regarding the fresh buzz, hinting at a potential shake-up if Gautam Gambhir falters as India head coach during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, which will get underway in Perth on November 22.

The cricket expert has stressed that Gautam Gambhir’s appointment is still fresh, so rumors of his replacement are premature. Rumours spread out after the Indian cricket team’s humiliating whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in the three-match Test at home.

Aakash Chopra shuts down rumors of Gautam Gambhir’s ouster as India’s head coach amid Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 buzz

This loss reportedly prompted the BCCI to hold intense discussions with the head coach, Gambhir, and Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma. It is being said that the BCCI studied the direction of the Test squad, including pitch strategies and batting woes, and raised questions about the team’s readiness for the high-stakes five-match Test series against Australia.

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The media reports suggested that if India’s performance against Australia falls short in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the BCCI could hire separate coaches for red and white-ball formats. But Aakash Chopra has shut down these rumors, saying these rumors are an overreaction to India’s recent losses.

The former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has pointed out that implementing such drastic changes in the coaching setup would be hasty, particularly given the recent transition in the leadership. Chopra said that rumor will be absolutely baseless, as the BCCI can’t blame Gambhir for players’ failure.

The rumor will be baseless: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “It is being said that Gautam Gambhir was grilled for six hours. Not just him; the captain was also there with him. A lengthy discussion took place to understand where things are going wrong, why such pitches are being made, and why players are playing like this. There are also rumors that if things don't go well in the BGT, separate coaches will be seen in different formats. So soon?”

He further emphasized, “I am saying the rumor will be absolutely baseless. I see it as a rumor floated around with a slight malicious intent because he has just been appointed. It doesn't happen that the coach is fired or separate coaches are made for different formats if the players don't do well. I don't agree with that at all. It's a little too early. So, I am discarding that.”

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Accountability is obvious: Chopra on raising questions over Gambhir's stint

They discussed pitches, the team's strategy, and the future blueprint during the meeting, as reported by PTI, and Aakash Chopra said that is not new. He added that Gautam Gambhir's young coaching career is working in absolutes; either you win 3-0 or lose 0-3, but questions being asked is not a new thing.

However, Chopra mentioned that the BCCI did whatever Gambhir asked for, as India’s head coach got the staff he wanted. He added Gambhir wanted Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, and they came to play.

Chopra signed off by saying that Gautam Gambhir has been given the liberty to prepare the pitches he wants and select the team that he wants, so accountability is obvious, saying the 0-3 defeat against New Zealand has hurt.