India head coach Gautam Gambhir said dressing room ‘debates’ should not be made public and he spoke to his players ‘honestly’ as only performance can keep them in the team.
Gambhir also brushed aside questions on whether captain Rohit Sharma, who is struggling with poor form, will get a place in the playing eleven for the fifth and final Test against Australia starting on Friday.
Amid reports of tension in the dressing room, Gambhir said that they are just reports, not the truth. Gambhir said in the press conference before the meeting, “All I can say is that the talks were honest. Honesty is very important to achieve big things.” He said, ”As long as there are honest people in the dressing room, Indian cricket is in safe hands. “In any time of change, honesty is most important.”
The former India opener, known for his outspokenness, did not take any names but said that the team is going through a phase of change and performance is the only criterion for staying in the team. He said, “It is not that senior players are being thrown out and new players are being brought in.” At the end of the day, what will keep you going in the dressing room is your performance.”
If the deeper meaning is taken then it seems that the days of Mohammed Shami in international cricket are also over, who despite being in rehabilitation, could not be completely fit for the current series. Gambhir said, “Earlier when there was a change, one department used to take the team forward but now the change is happening in both batting and bowling.” Gambhir refused to tell whether Rohit will get a place in the team or not. . He was asked why the captain did not come to the pre-match press conference when usually only the captain comes and whether he would be in the playing eleven.
He said, “Can you confirm the playing eleven?” Gambhir said, “Rohit is fine.” I don’t think there is anything like tradition. The head coach is here and that should be enough. We will take a decision on the final eleven after seeing the pitch.
Questions were also raised about playing naturally and according to the situation and the coach clearly said that the needs of the team come first. He said, “The only philosophy that matters is that the team comes first.” It is a team game and you have to play as the team requires. You can play naturally but in a team game the individual just contributes.
He refused to review individual performances but when asked about Rishabh Pant’s irresponsible shots at crucial moments, he said, “I don’t want to talk about individuals.” Everyone knows where they stand.” Gambhir also said that he did not talk to senior batsman Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma about anything except the strategy to win the Test match.
He said, “We have only talked to him about how to win Test matches. We all know how important he is.” Gambhir also said that he does not like dressing room matters to be made public. He said, “The conversation between coaches and players should remain between them only.” Sports is known for results but interactions between individuals should remain in the dressing room only.
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