Shocking! Gautam Gambhir explodes in Indian dressing room, threatens to axe underperformers after MCG disaster

There is unrest in the Indian dressing room after their 184-run defeat to Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series against Australia in Melbourne. Head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly expressed frustration over the team's repeated batting collapses in recent times.

India suffered a dramatic collapse on Day 5 while chasing 340 runs. The visitors lost seven wickets for just 34 runs in the final session and were bowled out for 155. India conceded a decisive 2-1 lead to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, ending hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final.

Rishabh Pant's Dismissal Triggered a Collapse as Australia Dismantled the Batting Order

The match seemed destined for a draw at Tea, with three wickets down. Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal batted out the Australian attack in the second session. However, the match shifted in Australia's favor at the start of the final session, after Australia opened with off-spinners Nathan Lyon and Travis Head.

Their tactic aimed to induce errors from Indian batters. Pant played a lofted shot off a half-tracker from Head despite boundary fielders placed on the on-side and was caught by Mitchell Marsh at deep mid-wicket. His dismissal triggered a collapse as Australia dismantled the batting order in less than an hour.

Gautam Gambhir Blasts Underperforming Players After Melbourne Test Loss

According to The Indian Express, Gautam Gambhir was unhappy with the repeated batting collapses, including the manner in which some players got out. Gambhir reportedly said, “Bahut ho gaya (I’ve had enough)" in the dressing room in response to the poor performances.

"Shortly after India lost seven wickets in 20.4 overs and handed the Melbourne Test to Australia, head coach Gautam Gambhir had some stern words for the entire squad in the dressing room on Monday. “Bahut ho gaya (I’ve had enough),” the report stated.

Gambhir has threatened to drop the players if they do not follow the orders of the team management. He also warned to remove players from the team who fail to perform for a long time.

Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, Guys You Are on the Spot This Time - Aakash Chopra

Former India player Aakash Chopra raised doubts about whether Rohit Sharma would drop himself from the playing XI for the fifth Test. He pointed out that Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar might face a difficult decision if Rohit doesn't make the call himself.

"No captain would have done that thus far that he drops himself. Retirement is his personal call but selection is the selectors' job. However, as a captain, the selectors don't want to take that call. You have made him the captain for the entire tour. So you don't take that call mid-tour. So the call is now with Rohit Sharma," he said.

"Will he drop himself in the team's interest? I am not saying retirement. I am saying sitting out the Sydney Test as he is unable to contribute. It will be a fair call to take. But will he take that call and if he doesn't, will the selectors take that call mid-tour? Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, guys you are on the spot this time," Chopra added.

Also read: Rohit Sharma confirms Shubman Gill wasn't dropped; publicly targets Rishabh Pant’s shot selection