Gambhir Addresses Controversy Over Alleged Dressing Room Conversations
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Sydney, Jan 2 (NationPress) India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has dismissed the uproar regarding claims of leaked dressing room dialogues amid the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy, asserting that it is merely a report and not factual.
Following their 184-run loss to Australia in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, there were insinuations of discontent within the Indian team's dressing room. Reports suggested that Gambhir allegedly expressed, “Bahut ho gaya (I’ve had enough)” during his speech, indicating that the atmosphere was far from ideal.
In a press conference before the Sydney Test, Gambhir played down these allegations, stating, "Those are merely reports. That's not the truth. I don’t believe I need to respond to such claims. There were some honest words, and that is what I can say. Honesty is essential if you aim to achieve significant milestones."
He further emphasized, "Team first. It's a team sport, and everyone recognizes this. Discussions between a player and a coach should remain private. Any exchanges in the dressing room ought to stay there," he added.
A report from The Indian Express on Wednesday stated that Gambhir had informed the players that some of them were focusing on their personal game instead of adapting their shots to the game's context. The report also indicated that Gambhir suggested he had allowed the team to operate independently for the past six months but would now determine their approach in the longer format.
Additionally, it was mentioned that Gambhir indicated that moving forward, those who do not comply with his predefined strategy would receive a “thank you,” and he had been advocating for the inclusion of veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara, a proposal that the selection committee rejected.
