Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma's forced retirements have made Gautam Gambhir a villain in team India- Report

The pressure is mounting on India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir. In just a short time at the helm, Gautam Gambhir has tasted significant success in white-ball cricket, but his red-ball tenure has been marked by one setback after another shocking defeat.

Later, India suffered a shocking Test series whitewash at the hands of New Zealand at home, then a forgettable Test tour of Australia, and now, a painful loss in the first Test against England at Leeds, despite dominating large parts of the match.

Headingley defeat exposes cracks in Gautam Gambhir’s leadership

The numbers make the Headingley defeat more indigestible, as the five Indian players hit centuries; they were far ahead in the multiple sessions and even posted a massive total in the first innings, yet India collapsed when it mattered most against England.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

England, showing patience and clarity, chased down a mammoth target of over 370 runs with ease on the final day. The Indian bowlers lost control, sprayed deliveries all over, and once again, their lower order collapsed as England won the first Test by 5 wickets with 84 balls to spare at Headingley.

Gambhir's strategies are already being questioned, but it is being said that there is a mindset issue in the Indian Test team. Too many players seem to be chasing personal glory over team success. There is a lack of match-winning moments, as the personal milestones are being celebrated more.

Rohit Sharma’s SCG Test snub sparks insecurities among Indian players?

It is being said that there is not unity in the red-ball team. Insiders revealed that the toxic residue from the Australia tour still haunts the Indian dressing room. Rohit Sharma’s snub from the Sydney Test without proper communication or backing from Gautam Gambhir is seen as a key moment that rattled team morale.

If someone of Rohit’s stature could be pushed aside so easily, what chance do the others have? Players are now more focused on survival than sacrifice. And Gautam Gambhir, despite his tough image, is being accused of instilling the fear in the players of losing their place in the team.

When he was playing for India, Gambhir had openly admitted the insecurity while opening with dominating partners. That same insecurity could now be making its way into his coaching style, where a player’s form is above everything, and one bad match can cost a place in the XI.

Read Also: Shamar Joseph linked to sexual harassment and rape amid West Indies vs Australia ongoing Tests

No unity in Indian cricket team!!

Resulting in the players now playing safe, not smart cricket. The bowling attack is far from the best, and Jasprit Bumrah is fighting a lonely battle. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are lacking rhythm and precision. The current team is full of talent, but only on paper.

But on the field, there is no unity, no collective push, which is now clearly seen with the recent result exposing Gautam Gambhir’s unintentional approach, where players are seemingly focused on safeguarding their players instead of prioritizing team objectives.

Now, India will be aiming to make a comeback in the five-match Test series as they are gearing up to face England in the second Test in Birmingham from July 2.

Read Also: Mohammed Shami enters team India bowlers in England