Gautam Gambhir and Team India selectors not on same page as head coach wanted Cheteshwar Pujara in BGT

Gautam Gambhir wanted Cheteshwar Pujara in BGT. (Photo: PTI)

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI seemingly are not on the same page over team selection and strategy. As per an Indian Express report, Gambhir was furious after the team's defeat in Melbourne recently and the report also suggested that 2011 World Cup winner strongly advocated for Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara for the Australia tour.

The report reveals that Gautam Gambhir had repeatedly urged the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, to include Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of the first Test against Australia in Perth. Despite his persistent requests, Pujara was overlooked. Even after India secured victory in the Perth Test, Gambhir continued to push for Pujara's inclusion.

Also Read - 'Ilaaj karna padega': Sunil Gavaskar on Virat Kohli's struggles with outside off-stump deliveries

A seasoned campaigner with 103 Test matches to his name and an impressive average of 43.60, Pujara was instrumental in India's historic back-to-back series wins in Australia. However, he has not featured for India since the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2023.

All is not well in the Indian dressing room

India's dressing room witnessed some stern words from head coach Gautam Gambhir after their disappointing collapse in the Melbourne Test on Monday. The team lost seven wickets in just 20.4 overs, handing Australia a decisive victory. Gambhir, visibly frustrated, delivered a strong message to the squad, declaring, “Bahut ho gaya (I’ve had enough),” as he criticized the players for prioritizing their “natural game” over situational awareness.

Though Gambhir didn’t name anyone specifically, his message was clear: the team’s approach needed to change. The coach, who took charge on July 9, stated that he had allowed the players freedom over the past six months but would now enforce stricter strategies. He warned that those unwilling to adhere to his methods would face the consequences, hinting at potential exclusions.

With India trailing 1-2 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final dwindling, Gambhir drew a firm line in the sand. His speech addressed the tension between individual intent and collective goals, urging players to execute team strategies instead of acting independently.