'You're spoiling a small kid's life': Gautam Gambhir slammed for blaming Sarfaraz Khan over dressing room leaks

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra criticized the reports suggesting that Gautam Gambhir named a player responsible for dressing room leaks during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Aakash Chopra questioned why such sensitive information was leaked and expressed concern over its potential impact.

Gambhir was appointed as head coach in July ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. India started strong with a 3-0 T20I series win against Sri Lanka but lost the ODI series 0-2. The team rebounded with a 3-0 T20I series win and a 2-0 Test series victory against Bangladesh, including a win in the rain-affected Kanpur Test.

Someone Spread the Story That Gautam Gambhir... – Aakash Chopra

India suffered a 0-3 home Test series loss to New Zealand, followed by a 1-3 defeat in Australia. It was reported that Gambhir reprimanded the players before the final Test. Gambhir allegedly accused Sarfaraz Khan of leaking dressing room discussions to the media during a series review meeting with the BCCI.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra stated that source-based stories could harm a player's career. He urged people to avoid spreading leaked claims that could jeopardize a young player's future.

"It's again a sources-led story. Someone spread the story that Gautam Gambhir said in the review meeting there is a kid responsible for all the dressing room leaks. Whether the story of that kid is true or not, but what Gautam said was also leaked and reached this journalist," he said (8:30).

"You start wondering. One leak's confirmation is being given by another leak. What is happening? How much harm it can cause to the kid, just think about it. The kid won't react and shouldn't as well. Why are you spoiling a small kid's life? Don't throw someone's name in the air like that," Chopra added.

Indian fans still recall the controversial coaching period under Greg Chappell from 2005 to 2007. His tenure ended with India’s disappointing first-round exit from the 2007 ODI World Cup.

Jasprit Bumrah Called It Out – Aakash Chopra

In the same video, Aakash Chopra highlighted the unreliability of some source-based reports, citing a recent example involving Jasprit Bumrah. He pointed out that Bumrah himself debunked the claim that he had been advised bed rest by tweeting that it was fake.

"Sources are sometimes non-trustworthy and that happened. Jasprit Bumrah called it out. Someone put the news that Jasprit Bumrah has been advised bed rest. Bumrah tweeted that quote and said it's fake news, which is very easy to spread. Then you ask a question, if Bumrah hadn't called it out, the fake news would have become true," he said.

You Need to Refute Such News Every Time – Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator emphasized the importance of refuting false news, especially when it comes from unreliable sources. He noted that while it was easy for Bumrah to clarify the situation, journalists should introspect on whether their sources were accurate.

"You need to refute such news every time. Nowadays, when too much source-based news is floating around, people even drive their personal agendas. Bumrah is a phenomenal player, so it's easy for him. The journalist might have to introspect a little about whether his source was wrong or he jumped the gun a bit too soon," Chopra elaborated.

Jasprit Bumrah was unable to bowl during the second half of Australia's first innings and their second innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 final due to back spasms. India will be hoping for his swift recovery ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be played in Pakistan and Dubai.

Also read: Virat Kohli succumbs to BCCI's pressure, set to play Ranji Trophy? Fresh update arrives