The Indian cricket team, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, recently faced a harsh 0-3 defeat against New Zealand in a Test series. After 24 years, it was a clean sweep for India on home soil, reminiscent of the two-match series loss to South Africa in 2000. Now, the team is set for their Australia tour, where they will play a five-match Test series starting November 22 against the hosts.
This Test series is crucial for Team India's qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. A 4-0 victory against Australia would guarantee India's spot in the final, yet achieving this is no easy feat. Success will demand India's absolute best to outshine Australia.
On this Australian tour, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir's leadership will face scrutiny. Following the heavy defeat to New Zealand, questions about Gambhir's guidance have surfaced. Gambhir took the head coach position about four months ago, but under his watch, India lost an ODI series in Sri Lanka and then suffered a humiliating defeat in New Zealand. Now, significant news involving Gautam Gambhir has come to light.
Will Gautam Gambhir Be Dismissed?
If Team India's performance in Australia falls short, there is speculation that Gambhir will be relieved from his role as head coach for Test cricket. Presently, Gambhir is the head coach across all formats for India. According to a report by a daily newspaper, the BCCI is contemplating the appointment of separate coaches for white-ball (ODI, T20) and red-ball cricket (Test matches). A legend like VVS Laxman could potentially take over as head coach for Test cricket, while Gambhir might continue to lead the white-ball team.
BCCI Held a Six-Hour Review Meeting
In response to the defeat against New Zealand, the BCCI organized a comprehensive review meeting, as reported by news agency PTI. Present were captain Rohit Sharma, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and head coach Gambhir, alongside BCCI secretary Jay Shah and president Roger Binny. Inquiries were made about certain decisions made by team management during the New Zealand series. Discussions also covered Gambhir's coaching style, which significantly differs from former head coach Rahul Dravid.
Source: aajtak
A senior BCCI official informed, 'It was a marathon meeting lasting six hours, deemed necessary after such a defeat. As Team India heads to Australia, the BCCI is keen to ensure the team's return to form. Additionally, they are interested in Gambhir-Rohit-Agarkar's perspectives on these matters.' Officials were displeased with the decision to rest fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the third Test and to opt for a 'rank turner' after losing on a turning track in Pune.
The source stated, 'There was deliberation on Bumrah's absence. Although it was a precautionary move, India's mediocre performance on these pitches yet choosing the 'rank turner' option were points of discussion.' There was no unanimous agreement on the selection of all-rounder Nitish Reddy and fast bowler Harshit Rana. Team India is scheduled to depart for Australia in two groups on November 10 and 11.
India's Squad for the Test Series Against Australia:
Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Traveling Reserves:
Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed.
Indian Team's Australia Tour (November-January 2025)
22-26 November: First Test, Perth 6-10 December: Second Test, Adelaide 14-18 December: Third Test, Brisbane 26-30 December: Fourth Test, Melbourne 03-07 January: Fifth Test, Sydney
