There has already been a review of the Indian cricket team's performance in Australia by the BCCI, while it is clear that Gambhir and senior players are not on the same page when it comes to the issue of team culture. It is learned that the head coach was unhappy with the way some star players made specific demands on hotels and practice times during the Australia tour. But on the other hand, older players have experienced a lack of communication on his part. Amid this ongoing battle is the opinion of the national selection committee, which does not want the head coach to have too much say in selection matters.
A former selector said Gambhir has shown a mercurial former coach Greg Chappell in his approach. The Australian, who arrived to much fanfare, left in chaos after developing disagreements with senior players over his training methods.
“Either you are like a Ravi Shastri, who would be media friendly, who would give sound bites to support players making them look like alpha males,” said the former selector, who toured extensively during Shastri's tenure as coach.
“Or be like Rahul Dravid, Gary Kirsten or John Wright, who keep aloof and let the players take the spotlight. The 'Chappell Way' doesn't work in India. Gambhirs, Shastris or Dravids will leave, but players will stay.” he added.
The BCCI brass is also angry over the way Gambhir's personal assistant shadowed the team across Australia.
'Why was his PA in the car meant for the national selectors? They can't even discuss things privately with an unknown third person in the car. Why was he allocated space in the BCCI hospitality box in Adelaide?” said an irritated BCCI official.
“How did he have breakfast in the cordoned off area of a five-star complex reserved for team members only?” he asked.
With the drama increasing day by day, it wouldn't be wrong to say that it is a very uncomfortable Indian dressing room heading into the Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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