Just reports, not truth: Coach Gautam Gambhir on leaks from Indian dressing room
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has addressed the controversy surrounding reports of leaked dressing room conversations during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, emphasising the importance of “honesty” and maintaining confidentiality within the team.
Speaking to the press on the eve of the final Test in Sydney, Gambhir dismissed reports of unrest following the Boxing Day Test defeat, where India succumbed to Australia by 184 runs.
A report had suggested that Gambhir had delivered a scathing address to the team after the defeat, reportedly criticising players for prioritising their “natural game” over adapting to match situations.
However, Gambhir downplayed the incident, stating, “Those are just reports. That’s not the truth. I don’t think I need to answer any reports. There were some honest words, that is what I can say. Honesty is very important. Honesty is extremely important if you want to go and achieve great things.
The coach also reaffirmed the need for unity within the squad, saying, “Team first. It’s a team game, and everyone understands this. Debates between a player and a coach should stay between them. Any conversations in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room.”
The controversy arose after a report by The Indian Express detailed Gambhir’s frustration during the post-match team meeting, where he reportedly warned players unwilling to adhere to his team strategies that they would face exclusion. Gambhir, who took over as head coach in July, admitted in the reported post-match meeting to allowing players more freedom over the past six months but signalled a stricter approach moving forward.
Former cricketers Irfan Pathan and Sreevats Goswami criticised the breach of confidentiality, with Pathan stating, “What happens in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room.”
EXTREMELY CONFIDENT OF WINNING SYTNEY TEST: GAMBHIR
Gambhir said the focus will now shift to winning the Sydney Test and that he is “extremely confident” of the team putting on a strong show in the series finale.
“There has been only one conversation and it is about how to win the Test. There is no other conversation apart from this. Everybody knows how important this Test match is. There is no other conversation apart from this,” he said.
“Extremely, extremely confident. We have got the skillset, we have got the individuals, confidence and everything in the dressing room to win a Test match here. Not only here, but probably go on to do some unbelievable things in the future as well. So, extremely confident,” he said.
India and Australia will meet in the fifth Test, starting January 3 in Sydney. India will be able to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy if they win the final Test and draw the series 2-2.