The performance of the Indian cricket team in Australia has already been reviewed by the BCCI, while it is understood that Gambhir and senior players are not unanimous on the issue of team culture. It is learned that the head coach was not happy with the fact that some star players made special demands regarding hotels and practice timings during the Australia tour. But, on the other hand, senior players have felt the lack of communication from their part. Central to this ongoing tussle is the view of the national selection committee, which does not want the head coach to interfere too much in selection matters.
A former selector said that Gambhir showed glimpses of former coach Greg Chappell in his approach. The Australian players, who had arrived to much fanfare, descended into chaos after falling out with senior players over their training methods.
The former selector, who toured a lot during Shastri's tenure as coach, said, “Either you become like Ravi Shastri, who will be media friendly, give soundbites promoting the players, making them look like the alpha male. Will be seen.” “Or be like Rahul Dravid, Gary Kirsten or John Wright, who will stay aloof, let the players remain in the limelight. The 'Chappell Way' does not work in India.
Gambhir or Shastri or Dravid will go, but the players will remain.” He said. Top BCCI officials are also upset with how Gambhir's personal assistant followed the team everywhere in Australia. “Why was his PA sitting in the car designated for the national selectors? They also cannot have private discussions with an unknown third person in the car. Why was he allotted a place in the BCCI hospitality box in Adelaide?” He asked. “How did he have breakfast in a cordoned-off area of a five-star facility, designated just for team members?” With the pace of drama increasing with each passing day, it wouldn't be wrong to say that the Indian dressing room is quite uneasy ahead of the Champions Trophy to be held from February 19 to March 9.
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