Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has come under scrutiny following a series of lackluster performances that have cast doubts over the team’s direction and morale. The spotlight intensified after India’s 0-3 defeat in the home Test series against New Zealand, leaving them on the brink of missing the World Test Championship final. With an upcoming Test match in Sydney and the Champions Trophy in February-March, Gambhir’s position appears increasingly precarious.

A strained transition period

Gambhir assumed the role of head coach in July, succeeding Rahul Dravid, who had guided India to a T20 World Cup victory in June. Tasked with overseeing a period of transition, Gambhir’s tenure has so far been marked by inconsistent performances, including an ODI series loss to Sri Lanka and a disappointing run in Australia, where India trails 1-2 in the Test series.

Communication gaps and player insecurity

Reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI) suggest that Gambhir’s leadership style has led to unease within the team. The report highlights a lack of effective communication compared to the tenures of previous coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid. While skipper Rohit Sharma has reportedly maintained individual discussions with players on selection issues, some team members feel the clarity provided under Gambhir’s leadership is insufficient.

The report further claims that constant experimentation with the playing XI has left players feeling insecure about their positions. A senior BCCI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Gambhir’s assertive approach has not resonated well with a core group of players, especially those neither seasoned veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma nor new entrants like Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy.

Selection challenges and BCCI concerns

Gambhir’s relationship with the selection committee has also come under the scanner, with reports suggesting ambiguity and differing opinions on team strategy. The BCCI official acknowledged that Gambhir was not the board’s first choice for the role, noting that VVS Laxman had initially been preferred, but logistical challenges and other considerations led to Gambhir’s appointment.

Champions trophy as the litmus test

The immediate focus remains on the final Test in Sydney, where a loss could confirm India’s exit from the World Test Championship final. However, the Champions Trophy looms as a critical test for Gambhir. A senior BCCI source hinted that if India’s performance doesn’t improve in the tournament, Gambhir’s role could face significant changes or even termination.

“His position is under review, and if the team doesn’t show marked improvement, the BCCI will have to reevaluate its strategy,” the source stated.

A time for turnaround

As the Indian cricket team prepares for pivotal challenges ahead, the pressure is on Gambhir to restore confidence, stabilize team dynamics, and deliver results. The coming weeks will not only define his tenure but could also shape the immediate future of Indian cricket.

In a surprising turn of events, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is expected to be ‘rested’ for the upcoming fifth Test against Australia, set to begin Thursday in Sydney. Reliable sources suggest that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will take over the captaincy in Sharma’s absence.

Rohit Sharma, who has been struggling for form in the ongoing five-match series, has only managed a total of 31 runs across three matches. His performance has been a concern, particularly following his absence from the first Test, during which he chose to stay with his family after the birth of his second child. Since rejoining the squad, however, he has failed to make an impact with the bat, leaving questions about his fitness and readiness for the final match.

Adding fuel to the speculation, head coach Gautam Gambhir declined to provide a definitive answer on Sharma’s participation during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday. When questioned about the likelihood of the captain playing in Sydney, Gambhir responded ambiguously, emphasizing that the decision would be made based on the pitch conditions.

“We will assess the pitch and make a final call tomorrow,” Gambhir stated, steering clear of confirming Sharma’s position in the playing XI. “Everything is fine with Rohit, and there is no major issue. The head coach’s presence should suffice for today’s presser,” he added.

The Sydney Test holds critical importance for India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, with the team trailing 1-2 in the series. A win in this final Test is essential for India to keep their dreams alive, with the outcome also dependent on results from the ongoing series between Australia and Sri Lanka later this month.

India’s unexpected defeat in Melbourne has placed the team’s WTC fate in jeopardy, and now, all eyes are on the Sydney Test to determine whether they can salvage their chances.

Virat Kohli could be making a return to the role of India’s Test captain, according to reports, as the future of Rohit Sharma as the team’s leader hangs in the balance following mounting criticism over his recent performances and leadership.

Rohit, who has struggled with the bat and faced intense scrutiny after India’s recent home Test series loss to New Zealand, is expected to step away from the Test team after the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. While a full retirement isn’t immediately on the cards, reports suggest that he may not feature in India’s Test plans moving forward.

Kohli, who stepped down from the captaincy after leading India in 68 Tests, could be brought back to steer the team. The former captain remains India’s most successful in the format, with 40 Test victories to his name, and was pivotal in India’s historic series win in Australia in 2018-19. His leadership credentials and record of success could make him the ideal candidate to reclaim the captaincy, especially as selectors may not fully trust the younger generation to take on the captaincy mantle.

Rohit’s uncertain future adds to the current uncertainty within the team, with reports indicating that he may miss the upcoming series-deciding Test against Australia, which is set to begin in Sydney on Friday. This uncertainty prompted questions about his place in the squad.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the situation at a press conference, confirming that the final decision on the playing XI would be made after evaluating the pitch conditions on match day. “Everything is fine with Rohit and I don’t think it’s anything traditional,” Gambhir said, reassuring fans about Rohit’s fitness. “We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalize (the team) tomorrow.”

When asked about the possibility of Rohit playing in Sydney, Gambhir reiterated, “The answer remains the same,” suggesting that a decision would only be made closer to the match.

As the cricketing world waits for clarity, Kohli’s potential return to the captaincy is creating buzz, with many hopeful that the former leader can bring India back to its winning ways in Test cricket.