Gautam Gambhir Slams Team India After MCG Test Defeat

Mumbai, December 29: Indian cricket team's head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed his displeasure with the way players are going about in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025. The team assessed its performance after a dismal 184-run defeat to Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and Gambhir had a hard-hitting talk with the entire squad, including captain Rohit Sharma and batting maestro Virat Kohli.

According to sources close to the team, Gambhir's conversation was focused on highlighting individual performances rather than taking names. "He wanted to tell them that they need to be more focused and disciplined," said a top source privy to the development. "His speech was entirely about the betterment of the team, but it was clear that there are those who are underperforming in this series."

Gambhir's concerns came as no surprise, given India's dismal show in the ongoing tour - they are trailing 1-2 against Australia and the series has taken a significant hit to their WTC final prospects. The team's senior players, including Kohli and Rohit, have been experiencing a sharp dip in form, with average scores of just over 24.

The situation was made even more challenging by the exclusion of India's most experienced Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara from the ongoing series. While Gambhir had hoped to include Pujara in the team, it was apparently decided against him by the selectors, following his disappointing performance in the 2023 World Test Championship final.

Pujara has been sidelined since the WC final and will be eager for an explanation for his exclusion.

Gambhir's frustration with the Indian team is clear, but sources suggest that he is determined to make the necessary changes to ensure their chances of securing a WTC final spot.